The Van Andel Research Institute has a position available for one Bioinformatics Research Scientist under the shared direction of Peter W. Laird, Ph.D and/or Hui Shen, Ph.D. Depending on the interests and expertise of the successful candidate, the position can be a sole appointment in either the Laird or Shen laboratory, or a joint appointment between the two labs.

The Laird Laboratory focuses on the role of epigenetics in cancer, combining mechanistic studies in model systems, analysis of human cancer tissues, advanced technology development, and epigenomic data analysis.

The Shen Laboratory focuses on the epigenome and its interaction with the genome in various diseases, with a specific emphasis on female cancers and cross-cancer comparisons relying on innovative computational tool development and epigenomic data analysis.

As a Bioinformatics Research Scientist on our team, your first and foremost responsibility will be to work closely with scientists on the design, processing, and analysis of next-generation sequencing studies. Additional responsibilities might include:

• • Develop, maintain, and support bioinformatics software for projects
  • Assist research faculty in data mining of publicly available data sets.
  • Analyze data through established workflows and pipelines.
  • Integrate primary data and publicly available data sets for comprehensive analysis and evaluation
  • Analyze data through established and novel bioinformatics techniques.
  • Provide experimental design and analysis expertise/timelines to research faculty
  • Participate in grant and manuscript writing
  • Engage in bioinformatics literature to ensure the availability of robust methods, resources, and data sources to support the user groups
  • Present novel bioinformatics analyses and/or methods at scientific conferences

This position is available immediately for a motivated scientist who meets the qualifications and description outlined below.

Qualifications:

• • A Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, or similar field with demonstrable computational and statistical skills
  • Experience in NGS data analysis and/or data integration (Required)
  • Understanding of cellular and molecular biology and/or genetics
  • Experience in R (Required) and at least one other programming/scripting language (i.e. Python, C++, Perl)
  • Advanced mathematical and/or statistical skills as related to the analysis of NGS data
  • Experience working in a Linux environment (Required)
  • Must provide the names of three individuals who can provide recommendations and present a scientific seminar describing his or her previous research.

Description of a Successful Candidate:

• • A “team” focused scientist
  • A self-motivated and driven individual who is able to exhibit exceptional research productivity and take responsibility for independent management of the project
  • A detail-oriented researcher who thinks critically to effectively design experiments and solve complex research problems
  • A strong ability to take initiative and work independently
  • A collaborative, hands-on researcher who proactively shares knowledge and expertise with lab members and has an interest in helping junior lab members
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

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 Laird Lab Research.
  • An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.
  • A list of 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.