Bioinformatician

Education Requirement: Master’s or PhD in Bioinformatics or related field such as biology or chemistry. (Will accept Bachelor's only if Bachelor's is in bioinformatics).

Incumbent is responsible for the study, development, maintenance, and performance of cutting-edge next generation sequencing (NGS) based biological assays in the areas of bacteriology, virology, and parasitology. In addition to the wet-lab testings this position also puts an emphasizes on the bioinformatics side of NGS utilizing advanced computational methods to analyze the results obtained from NGS assays. The incumbent should have experience with developing primer/probe sets, data analysis, and bioinformatic pipeline development.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Incumbent will lead bioinformatic analysis of microbial and viral NGS data to generate actionable laboratory and public health results. Representative duties include:

• Research, develop, design, validate and implement novel NGS-based laboratory assays using advanced computational resources, reproducible programming techniques, and QA methods
• Perform and maintain bioinformatic analysis of NGS data using developed software and workflows.

•Evaluate recent literature and standards in the field and make recommendations and changes to workflows to ensure sequencing analysis procedures are aligned with current best practices in the field.
•Troubleshoot NGS assays and analysis pipelines when needed to ensure the best data is being used to generate data
•Strictly follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.

• Extraction of nucleic acids from specimens, isolates, and samples via a variety of manual and automated methods;

•Utilize molecular techniques such as, but not limited to, PCR, sequencing, and NGS;

• Evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results and reports findings.
• Maintain quality control of the laboratory processes as well as the analysis process to ensure that data is defendable.
• Maintain an inventory of laboratory supplies and order as needed to ensure testing needs are met.
• Assist in preparations of epidemiological and/or statistical reports from data compiled on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis.
• Maintain competency in all trained areas.
• Perform all related work as required.

•Testing personnel responsibilities (493.1495 Standard):
The testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing, test performance and for reporting test results.
(a) Each individual performs only those high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual’s education, training or experience, and technical abilities.
(b) Each individual performing high complexity testing must—
(1) Follow the laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and
processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient
test results;
(2) Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are
tested in the same manner as patient specimens;
(3) Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies, document all quality
control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and
maintenance performed;
(4) Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever
test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels
of performance;
(5) Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test
performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the
problems or immediately notify the general supervisor, technical
supervisor, clinical consultant, or director;
(6) Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from
the laboratory’s established performance specifications; and
(7) Except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section, if qualified under §
493.1489(b)(5), perform high complexity testing only under the onsite,
direct supervision of a general supervisor qualified under § 493.1461.
(c) Exception. For individuals qualified under § 493.1489(b)(5), who were performing
high complexity testing on or before January 19, 1993, the requirements of
paragraph (b)(7) of this section are not effective, provided that all high complexity
testing performed by the individual in the absence of a general supervisor is
reviewed within 24 hours by a general supervisor qualified under § 493.1461.

Job Requirements:

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of molecular biology, NGS and related sub- specialties;
• Specialized knowledge of bioinformatic pipelines, analysis tools, and best practices in analysis of NGS data.

•Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures and the ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratory problems;

• Specialized knowledge of troubleshooting techniques for NGS applications at the bench level as well as in analysis

•Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technical equipment, complex scientific apparatus, and automated techniques of analysis;

• Extensive knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles;
• Aware of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerning the program area (i.e. CLIA);
• Ability to meet requirements for personnel certification as a technologist pursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA)
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and in writing and maintain productive working relationships;
• Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs and recognize QA problems;
• Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports.