Bioinformatics Scientist Computational Biologist

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Who We Are

The Center for Statistical Genetics designs and carries out some of the world's largest human genetic studies, integrating genomic, molecular, clinical, and epidemiologic data from hundreds of thousands of participants. Our investigators develop statistical methods, computational tools, and analytical approaches that enable discoveries in human health and disease and support researchers worldwide.

Job Summary

The Center for Statistical Genetics (CSG) in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Michigan seeks a highly motivated Bioinformatics Scientist to join a collaborative team supporting large-scale genomic research within the NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program and related studies.

You will contribute to the analysis of large-scale whole-genome sequencing datasets, including both short-read and long-read sequencing technologies, and will play a key role in the development and application of computational approaches for single-cell and bulk omics studies. This position offers you the opportunity to work with one of the world's largest collections of human genomic and phenotypic data while collaborating with investigators across genetics, genomics, epidemiology, biostatistics, and computational biology.

We are especially interested in candidates with demonstrated expertise in single-cell RNA-seq analysis and/or whole-genome sequencing analysis. Individuals who have led genomic analyses resulting in publications, developed reusable computational workflows, or worked with large-scale consortium datasets such as TOPMed, All of Us, UK Biobank, or similar resources are strongly encouraged to apply.

We recognize that excellent candidates may bring different combinations of skills and experiences. While no applicant is expected to possess expertise in all areas, experience in one or more of the following domains would be particularly valuable: single-cell transcriptomics, long-read sequencing, large-scale whole-genome sequencing analysis, cloud-based genomics, workflow development, and multi-omics data integration.

The position may be filled at different levels depending on the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected candidate. You will report to the Principal Investigator.

Responsibilities*

Genomic Data Analysis (35%)

• Process, quality control, and analyze large-scale whole-genome sequencing datasets generated through TOPMed and related studies
• Support analyses of both short-read and long-read sequencing data, including variant discovery, structural variation, haplotype analysis, and emerging applications enabled by long-read technologies
• Integrate genomic results with clinical, phenotypic, and epidemiologic datasets

Single-Cell and Functional Genomics (30%)

• Analyze single-cell RNA-seq and related single-cell multiomic datasets
• Perform cell-type annotation, differential expression analyses, integration across studies, trajectory analyses, and biological interpretation
• Develop and maintain reproducible workflows for single-cell data processing and analysis

Pipeline and Software Development (20%)

• Develop, maintain, and optimize scalable bioinformatics workflows and analytical pipelines
• Implement reproducible computational methods using workflow management systems such as Nextflow, Snakemake, or WDL
• Support analyses on high-performance computing and cloud-based environments

Research Collaboration and Scientific Contributions (15%)

• Collaborate with faculty investigators, staff scientists, trainees, and external research partners
• Contribute to manuscripts, reports, grant applications, and scientific presentations
• Remain current with emerging technologies and analytical methods in genomics and computational biology

Required Qualifications*

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genetics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Biomedical Informatics, or a related field with 2-5 years of related experience (1-2 years for Intermediate). Candidates with a Master's or Bachelor's degree may be considered with substantial relevant professional experience
• Demonstrated experience analyzing high-throughput sequencing data
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, or related scientific programming languages
• Experience working in Linux/Unix computing environments
• Experience developing reproducible computational analyses and workflows
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team

Desired Qualifications*

Experience in one or more of the following areas would strengthen an application:

• Single-cell RNA-seq or other single-cell omics analyses
• Long-read sequencing technologies, including PacBio HiFi and Oxford Nanopore platforms
• Whole-genome sequencing analyses and variant interpretation
• Structural variant discovery and genome assembly-related analyses
• Large-scale genomic resources such as TOPMed, All of Us, UK Biobank, or other population-based studies
• Cloud computing environments such as Terra, AWS, or Google Cloud
• Workflow development using Nextflow, Snakemake, Cromwell/WDL, or related frameworks
• Containerization technologies such as Docker or Apptainer/Singularity
• Multi-omics data integration
• Scientific publications, open-source software development, or other evidence of research leadership and impact

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including family leave
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance, dental, vision
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

How You'll Grow

This position provides you the opportunity to work at the forefront of genomic science within one of the largest and most influential precision medicine programs in the world. You will have access to exceptional genomic resources, advanced computational infrastructure, and a highly collaborative scientific environment, while contributing to research that advances our understanding of human health and disease.

Modes of Work

This is a hybrid position and requires residence within commuting distance to the Ann Arbor campus. Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Senior - $88,744 - $109,625

Intermediate - $69,906 - $86,355

Additional Information

This position will start as a three-year term-limited position. This position is funded by a five-year federal contract with three years remaining. The project has received continuous funding since 2015, and we expect this to continue beyond the current contract term.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.