Sr. Research Assistant

The Cancer Genomics Laboratory at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Department of Oncology is seeking applicants for aSr. Research Assistantposition in the Division of Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics. The lab studies cancer genomics, liquid biopsy approaches for detection of cancer, and early detection of cancer with the goal of translating research from bench to bedside.

The Sr. Research Assistant will work under the supervision of a faculty investigator or postdoctoral fellow and will be responsible for applying and developing computational and statistical methods for the integrated analysis of high-throughput sequencing studies that may include whole genome, methylation, and/or RNA sequencing platforms. These methods will be used to enhance risk prediction for precision medicine applications. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated individual with excellent work ethic and organizational skills.

Specific Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintaining laboratory data storage servers.
• Organizing incoming genomic data.
• Consulting with clinical and laboratory investigators to determine their needs with respect to analysis of high-throughput genomics data in collaboration with a member of the faculty.
• Carrying out appropriate methodologic procedures for biologically informed, statistically driven analysis of high-dimensional genomics data.
• Implementing understanding of theory behind experiments to carry out analyses and identify and trouble-shoot obstacles.
• Using bioinformatics tools to pre-process genomic data:
  • Alignment of genomic data to reference genome
  • Calculations of sequencing coverage, quality, etc.
  • Generation of sequencing summary statistics
  • GC correction of data
• Assisting with analyses of genomic data including:
  • Copy number analyses
  • Mutational analyses
  • Cell-free DNA fragment analyses
• Communicating with lab members to coordinate work, share progress, and identify areas in need of troubleshooting.
• Participating in regularly scheduled meetings with study investigators and team.

This position is fully funded.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, bioinformatics, biology, biochemistry, chemistry or a related field. MPH or MS in relevant field preferred.
• Two (2) years of prior experience in biomedical computational research is required. Additional graduate level education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum experience required for the respective job.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in computer science, statistics, bioinformatics, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, public health or a related field.
• Experience with Linux, UNIX
• Experience with code development, optimization, and testing
• Proficiency with bioinformatics concepts, methods, and tools
• Coursework or work experience covering topics in statistics, molecular biology, genetics, and script-level programming
• Experience with computers and server configuration and troubleshooting
• Enthusiasm, reliability, and dedication
• Ability to learn new computer skills and applications quickly

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional organizational, communication, writing, and visualization skills
• Self-motivation and an interest in biomedical careers
• Experience with experimental design and reproducible research principles
• Familiarity with genomic data and computational biology tools and databases
• Familiarity with R, C++, Perl, or Python
• Microsoft office proficiency, especially Excel

Physical Requirements:

Sitting, standing and walking for extended period. Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s). Ability to move standard equipment through a laboratory environment.

Classified Title: Sr. Research Assistant
Role/Level/Range:ACRP/04/MB
Starting Salary Range:$38,920.00 - $53,520.00/Commensurate with experience
Employee Group:Full Time
Schedule:Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location:School of Medicine, East Baltimore Campus
Department Name: Oncology, Cancer Biology
Personnel Area:School of Medicine

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office atjhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.

The following additional provisions may apply depending on which campus you will work. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

During the Influenza ("the flu") season, as a condition of employment, The Johns Hopkins Institutions require all employees who provide ongoing services to patients or work in patient care or clinical care areas to have an annual influenza vaccination or possess an approved medical or religious exception. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination of employment.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

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