Bioinformatics Research Analyst
We are seeking to hire a full-time Bioinformatics Research Analyst, to lead projects on cancer biology and immunology in the laboratories of Drs. Russell Jones and Connie Krawczyk. In this role as Bioinformatics Research Analyst, you will work as part of an integrated team, developing and maintaining data analysis pipelines for genomics (i.e., RNAseq, scRNAseq, ChIPseq, CUT&RUN, ChromHMM) and metabolomics data, as well as develop novel tools for multi-omic data integration and data mining for genomics and metabolomics projects.
The Jones and Krawczyk labs focus on molecular mechanisms that regulate immune cell function, with focus on metabolic pathways that influence immune outcomes. A major focus of the lab is understanding how metabolism and nutrition impact immune cell and tumor cell interactions in immune microenvironments such as tumors. Central to this research is the incorporation of single-cell genomics techniques to understand the dynamics of immune microenvironments. Approaches include transcriptomic analysis at the bulk and single-cell level, profiling changes in the epigenome using cutting-edge technologies (i.e., ATAC, CUT&RUN), and integrated metabolic network analysis (i.e., GAM, Metaboverse).
The Jones and Krawczyk labs are part of the Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming (MNP) at the Van Andel Institute (VAI), a leading independent biomedical research facility dedicated to determining the epigenetic, genetic, molecular and cellular origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases, and translating those findings into effective therapies. The Institute is home to more than 300 scientists and support staff that work in on-site laboratories and in collaborative partnerships that span the globe.
In this role, your primary duties will include:
- Participate in study design Oversee all phases of genomics data analysis, including data normalization, critical review and analysis of results, and communication of results with laboratory colleagues
- Maintain and refine existing R-based pipelines for data analysis
- Design and implement informatics workflows for genomics and metabolomics data integration
- Drafting figures and text for scientific communication (i.e., presentations, manuscripts)
- Work with other computational and experimental scientists at the Institute as needed
- Train lab members/graduate students/interns in bioinformatics methods as needed
The ideal candidate should possess experience with the following:
Bachelor or Master’s degree in biology, mathematics, bioinformatics, biostatistics, computer science, or other related field
Team player and efficient collaborator
- A highly organized multi-tasker who pays attention to detail and values research integrity.
- Demonstrable experience with R (preferred) and/or Python languages.
- Demonstrable experience using and/or developing computational tools and software for bioinformatics analysis. Previous experience with analyzing scRNAseq and ChIPseq datasets is an asset.
- Familiarity with the fields of immunology and/or cancer biology is an asset
- Ability to work independently yet be a team player
HOW TO APPLY If you possess these attributes and enjoy working with motivated and driven people, we would welcome speaking with you and encourage you to apply today!
A cover letter describing your research interests, experience, and how you might contribute to the Jones and Krawczyk research teams.
An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
A list of 2-3 individuals who have agreed to act as references along with their contact details.
Please contact Eric Miller (eric.miller@vai.org) for further information or questions, or if you have any difficulty with the application process.
*VAI is actively striving to diversify its workforce and strongly encourages qualified individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. Van Andel Institute is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer. As Van Andel Institute is a drug and alcohol-free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. Prospective employees will also undergo a background check (criminal history and misconduct, employment, and degree verification).
At Van Andel Institute, the health and safety of our people is our number one priority. As a condition of employment at Van Andel Institute, all employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. “Full vaccination” is defined as two weeks after both doses of a two-dose vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine has been administered.*
About Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, MI which is the second-largest city in Michigan and the largest city in West Michigan. Grand Rapids offers a remarkable combination of cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community, and is ranked one of "America's Top 100 Places to Live."
Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theatres, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods.
With a medical and life sciences industry boom, strong entrepreneurial activity, dedication to green building and living, and innovative employers, Grand Rapids' diverse economy continues to grow, offering endless career opportunities.
