Job Summary
The Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine at the John A. Moran Eye Center Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences University of Utah School of Medicine is accepting applications for a Senior Computational Scientist. The successful candidate will lead collaborative efforts among basic and clinical researchers to advance the understanding of the etiology and natural history of two of the most common causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide age-related macular degeneration ( AMD ) and glaucoma. The successful candidate will oversee and conduct advanced statistical analyses of qualitative and quantitative data and interpret results; integrate and consolidate data from multiple datasets; design and implement processes to validate findings; engage with clinical and lab-based researchers for data generation and experimental design; and participate in the design of infrastructures and pipelines for systematic computational analyses. Data types include but are not limited to genetics transcriptomics (bulk and single-cell) proteomics epigenetics spatial transcriptomics imaging (clinical histology). The successful candidate will also harness large locally or publicly available biorepositories such as the UK Biobank FinnGen AllofUs and the Utah Population Database. Through this work the successful candidate will participate in the discovery of next-generation therapeutic strategies for AMD and glaucoma. The successful applicant should have experience in at least two of (a) analyses of large-scale human genome data; (b) functional genomics; causal search/discovery. Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience applying these methods on scientific problems. A record of scientific productivity is necessary for this position. The successful applicant must have a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics Biostatistics Computer Science Molecular Biology Biomedical Engineering or related field at the start of the appointment. Software development experience in object-oriented programming using Java Python and/or C and familiarity with molecular biology genomics and biostatistics are recommended. The successful candidate will be based at the John A. Moran Eye Center in Salt Lake City Utah. The largest city in the Intermountain West Salt Lake City is renowned for its world class ski resorts and plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities. Along with easy commuting and mass transit historic neighborhoods and active performing arts scene these features have attracted many new residents. The University of Utah and Salt Lake City offer a vibrant academic and industry environment for collaborations in human genetics and disease modeling. The Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine at the John A. Moran Eye Center was founded in 2009 to identify therapeutic targets for ocular diseases including AMD and glaucoma ( ). This world-leading center is comprised of an interdisciplinary team of basic and applied researchers clinicians clinical staff and national/international collaborators. Its scientific efforts center around unique resources including a collection of over 9000 pairs of donated human eyes complete with full genetic profiles images and ophthalmic and medical histories and a large study cohort of AMD patients. The Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine is supported by the John A. Moran Eye Center public-private partnerships and by charitable donations.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to coordinate research while working with all levels and variety of staff internally and externally to the Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine. Essential functions will include data management data consolidation statistical analyses validation of findings communication of findings; preparation of abstracts posters and manuscripts; and assistance with grant writing.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors of Science degree with a focus on Bioinformatics Biostatistics Computer Science or Molecular Biology or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); plus four years of experience in genomic data analysis required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required. Software development experience in object oriented programming using Java Python and or C and familiarity with molecular biology genomics and some biostatistics helpful. Master of Science degree or PhD in Bioinformatics Computer Science and/or Life Sciences preferred. This position has no responsibility for providing care to patients Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Required Experience:
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