Bioinformation/Biostatistician Scientist - Queens University

Reporting to the Director of the Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME) and the Associate Directors of TIME, the incumbent will be responsible for providing bioinformatics and biostatistical fee-for-services to TIME members, and the research community at Queen’s. The incumbent will meet with users to understand their research objectives, plan and access of information, organizing study data, maintain and analyze data, communicate research results (in oral and written forms including graphs, figures and tables) and providing assistance with manuscript and grant preparation. Some independent judgement is required in decision making.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work independent Provide expert advice to researchers regarding bioinformatics and biostatistics workflow. Personal judgment and initiative is used in creating, testing and adapting protocols to meet the needs of the project and to test new hypotheses.

• Translate data into biological knowledge, presentation and discussion of results in project team meetings and planning of new experiments with partners.

• Working with the Director of genomics, transcriptomic and molecular medicine to process, quality control, and statistical analysis of sequencing data sets such as bulk RNASeq, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, epigenetics, amplicon sequencing, CRISPR screens whole-genome sequencing, long-read technologies.

• Utilizing and integrating various methodologies, software, computational tools, and databases to explore the molecular intricacies of data including R, Python and BASH.

• Development of processing strategies for new types of data by combining existing public and commercial tools with innovative solutions.

• Proficiently utilizing cloud-based data software platforms for scalable and flexible analysis.

• Conducting genomics and expression data analysis across multiple platforms.

• Analyze experimental data and present information in an appropriate form, including word processing, spreadsheet manipulation, and preparation of graphs, tables and figures.

• Report results of research in written reports or verbally at research group meetings.

• Contribute to the preparation of oral presentations, grants and publications on research.

• Use scientific methods to prepare and conduct research and observe and record results. Some independent judgement is used in determining optimal protocol and in setting the parameters of the experiment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Bioinformatics, Statistics or a related field.

• Strong programming skills in languages like Python, R, in a distributed Linux environment.

• Strong statistics, and background in theory and methodology

• Proficiency in using bioinformatics tools and databases.

• Experience with statistical analysis softwares and data visualization.

• A minimum of one to two years of relevant experience, complemented by a proven track record of high-quality publications.

• An strength would be a strong grasp of biological concepts and experimental methods commonly used in molecular biology.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken, in advanced English.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Time-management, interpersonal and organizational skills as well as the capacity to take initiative, solve problems and suggest solutions.

• Ability to coordinate workflow.

• Computer skills to aid in the research, analysis and presentation of data.

• Possess technical/scientific communication skills (written and verbal).

• Attention to detail and ability to perform careful measurements.

• Interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) to deal with patients, staff, other research groups and departments, and outside agencies.

• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make accommodations.

• An understanding of clinical research ethics to determine subject eligibility and obtaining informed consent.

• Supervisory and leadership skills to provide direction and instruction to students and junior staff.

DECISION MAKING:

• Prioritize time and resource use to coordinate workflow on project.

• Determine optimum protocols, methods and approach to employ in experimental investigation.

• Determine best way to interpret and present data in order to meet the needs of the researchers and outside agencies.

• Modify experimental methods and approach independently to meet investigational goals.

• Determine how to deal with problems. Decide if problem can be resolved personally or if Associate Directors or Director should be involved.

• Determine best way to analyze and present data in order to meet the needs of the research group.

• Determine best way to handle minor methodological deviations.

• Direct research enquiries to the proper person or supply the answer if appropriate.