Bioinformatics Staff Scientist

LOCATION: Center for Health Research

DEPARTMENT: Imaging Science Grants Contracts

WORK SCHEDULE: Days

WORK TYPE: Full Time (1.0 FTE)

JOB SUMMARY:  

A Bioinformatics Staff Scientist is an experienced post-doctoral researcher seeking continued growth and development as an independent academic scientist, with a particular focus in the area of bioinformatics/medical informatics. This position provides this opportunity related to cardiovascular disease research in Geisinger’s Department of Translational Data Science and Informatics. This individual will be able to leverage Geisinger’s world class data assets (genomics, electronic health records, medical imaging) toward the generation of knowledge and discovery related to biomedical research. A successful candidate will have demonstrated data expertise, programming abilities, and critical thinking skills and the ability to use these skills to conduct and supervise research in bioinformatics/biomedical informatics, quantitative genomics, or a related field.

This person will work in collaboration with and under the supervision of a Translational Data Science and Informatics Faculty Member (PI) to identify, develop, and execute initiatives for ongoing or new research projects. These may include: annotation and analysis of both rare and common genetic variants from sequence or genotype data; assisting in complex phenotype algorithm development; extracting and integrating data of interest from disparate sources, such as genomics, medical imaging, and electronic health records; and performing both standard (e.g., PheWAS, GWAS) and novel bioinformatics analyses of the data. Additionally, the Bioinformatics Staff Scientist is expected to acquire and maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of the relevant literature related to these projects, to assume a primary role in the presentation of findings at national meetings or high impact journal publications, and to assist in the preparation of grant applications for external funding. This individual will be joining a multi-disciplinary team and will be expected to work collaboratively to efficiently achieve project goals, including the supervision of trainees and support staff, as appropriate.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

Demonstrates extensive knowledge base in bioinformatics/biomedical informatics, quantitative genomics or related field.

Demonstrates experience working with large data sets, including genomic data.  

Demonstrates advanced programming skills (R, Python, SQL), and appropriate use of code repositories and version control.

Demonstrates strong critical thinking skills, sound judgement, and resourcefulness.

Demonstrated leadership and management skills.

Demonstrates the ability to work in an independent manner and complete increasingly complex assignments.  

Demonstrates strong teamwork skills and the ability to work effectively in a group environment.

Demonstrates exceptional organizational, planning, and analytical skills.

Demonstrates competence in effective communication skills across multiple media (written and oral) and for diverse audiences (physicians, scientists, data analysts) (interpersonal/communication and technological effectiveness competencies).  

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Ph.D. in computational biology, bioinformatics, quantitative genomics or related field or M.D./D.O. with appropriate bioinformatics background is preferred; exceptional individuals with other advanced degrees demonstrating superior skills and knowledge maybe considered.

Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is preferred.

In addition, there is an expectation of a minimum of 5 peer reviewed publications in which the candidate made a significant contribution.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is typically performed in a research environment.

Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. These specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job.

OUR PURPOSE & VALUES: Everything we do is about caring for our patients, our members, our students, our Geisinger family and our communities. KINDNESS: We strive to treat everyone as we would hope to be treated ourselves. EXCELLENCE: We treasure colleagues who humbly strive for excellence. LEARNING: We share our knowledge with the best and brightest to better prepare the caregivers for tomorrow. INNOVATION: We constantly seek new and better ways to care for our patients, our members, our community, and the nation.

ABOUT GEISINGER: Geisinger is a physician-led health system comprised of approximately 30,000 employees, including nearly 1,600 employed physicians, 13 hospital campuses, two research centers, and a 583,000-member health plan Geisinger is nationally recognized for innovative practices and quality care. Geisinger serves more than 3 million people in central, south-central and northeast Pennsylvania and also in southern New Jersey with the addition of National Malcolm Baldridge Award recipient AtlantiCare, A member of Geisinger. In 2017, the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine became the newest member of the Geisinger Family.

We offer healthcare benefits for full time and part time positions from day one, including vision, dental and domestic partners. * Perhaps just as important, from senior management on down, we encourage an atmosphere of collaboration, cooperation and collegiality. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

** Does not qualify for J-1 waiver.  We are an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer Women and Minorities are Encouraged to Apply.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or their protected veteran status.

*Domestic partner benefits not applicable at Geisinger Holy Spirit.