Bioinformatician - Urology, Chan lab (onsite)

At Houston Methodist the Bioinformatician position supports our mission to advance precision medicine by applying computational approaches to transcriptomic spatial and proteomic data from both patient tissues and in vivo experimental models. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to translational research projects focused on cancer biology and immunology bridging discovery in preclinical systems with clinical relevance. Under minimal supervision the Bioinformatician will independently conduct a wide range of data analysis tasks and collaborate closely with experimental and clinical researchers to interpret results and generate biological insights.

Key responsibilities and qualifications include:

• Experience analyzing transcriptomic and/or proteomic data including bulk or single-cell RNA-seq spatial transcriptomics or multiplex immunofluorescence imaging
• Proficiency in R or Python and familiarity with standard NGS workflows (alignment quantification QC clustering differential expression)
• Ability to create clear and effective data visualizations for internal discussions presentations and publications
• Strong scientific communication skills including the ability to explain computational methods and interpret biological relevance to interdisciplinary teams
• Enthusiasm for collaborative translational research in a fast-paced academic environment
• Working knowledge of biostatistical approaches relevant to high-throughput data analysis
• Experience with machine learning or AI methods in single cell or spatial genomics is a plus but not required

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental Scope of Service and Provision of Care plans as applicable for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional ethical physical and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth dignity and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET Managing Up Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees experiential journeys to ensure strong communication ease of access to information and a seamless experience

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organizations vision fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads or coordinates discussions on a reoccurring or ad hoc schedule involving bioinformatics issues update and projects with physicians staff and vendors.

• Communicates effectively and demonstrates necessary application upgrades and needed improvements for medical director NGS result interpretation.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs bioinformatics analysis NGS assays.

• Trains staff to perform clinical NGS assay bioinformatics analysis workflows prior to medical director result interpretation.

• Maintains hardware servers software and databases used in the lab.

• In coordination with the medical directors testing personnel and vendors troubleshoots bioinformatics pipelines application or hardware related issues as they arise.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains compliance with guidelines set by regulatory bodies.

• Prepares bioinformatics analysis protocols to be implemented into the clinical testing workflow and clinical NGS report templates for the medical directors.

• Validates and performs audits of scheduled bioinformatics quality assurance tasks including but not limited to new versions of publicly annotated databases COSMIC server backup and failover testing.

• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory following all policies and procedures for safety security and emergency preparedness.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Accountable for the proper use of equipment and supplies.

• Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops and validates new and current bioinformatics pipelines Gui application tools application upgrades and server hardware.

• Provides statistical support to health science research projects.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Master of Science degree with a major in bioinformatics computer science biostatistics or mathematics

WORK EXPERIENCE

• One year of work experience in bioinformatics analysis

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job determined through on-going skills competency assessments and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking reading and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients physicians family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Skill in planning and organizing the work area

• Ability to analyze and solve problems

• Demonstrates self-motivation in performing job duties and following procedures

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs No
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster Severe Weather Events etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Houston Methodist Research Institute was formed in 2004 to rapidly and efficiently translate discoveries made in the laboratory and the clinic into new diagnostics therapies and treatments. The research institute was created to provide the infrastructure and support for these endeavors and to house the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human disease. A 540000 square foot building dedicated to research the research institute houses over 1500 staff and trainees 284 principal investigators and has more than 570 ongoing clinical trials.