Computational Biologist | School of Medicine, Neurology

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Summary:

The computational biologist will perform the analysis associated with genomic data sets. The biologist is expected to process genomic, exome, or RNA data derived from blood, muscle, or other tissue samples using the necessary computational tools. The biologist will analyze and interpret these data as well. The position will be within the Johnson laboratory and work directly with other laboratory staff on the quality control sample preparation for batch effects and other quality measures. The position may
include analysis of other data sets derived from natural history studies or clinical trials. The biologist is expected to have a basic understanding of laboratory procedures. The biologist is expected to be familiar with coding in multiple languages, use of bioinformatic tools necessary to map, trim, and otherwise prep genomic data. The use of tools for splicing analysis, variant calling, and other GWAS techniques is essential.

Typical Duties

• Responsibility 1 (70%): Data Analysis
  • Task 1: Organization and management of -omics data generated by CIMR Faculty, staff, and students in computing cluster. This includes communication with computing cluster management team at VCU.
  • Task 2: Analysis of -omics data in conjunction with CIMR faculty, staff, and students. Generation of figures and written analysis of computational methods for use in presentations, publications ,and grant applications.
  • Task 3: Participation in meetings to discuss computational methodologies for analysis of -omics data and clinical data.
  • Task 4: Upkeep reliable notebook of computational methodologies used to analyze data.
• Responsibility 2 (15%): Sample Database Management & Maintenance
  • Task 1: maintain and update list of user credentials as needed.
  • Task 2: review data periodically for quality control purposes.
  • Task 3: coordinate with database programmer as needed.
• Responsibility 3 (15%): Risk Management and Other Duties
  • Task 1: demonstrate a commitment to risk assessment by utilizing identified internal control mechanisms and practicing routine verification of the accuracy of data.
  • Task 2: other duties as assigned.
  • Task 3: coordinate with database programmer as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant program or equivalent related experience.
• Experience with coding.
• Experience working RNA splicing data and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a relevant program or equivalent related experience.
• Experience working with laboratory and/or clinical teams
• Experience working with rare genetic or neuromuscular disorders

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more.  Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

This position is open until filled.

This is a restricted position with no set end date; continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability. 

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Kelly Cecil
Kelly.Cecil@vcuhealth.org