Genomics Data Analyst and Developer

Job Description

Position Purpose

The Fowler lab currently has an outstanding opportunity for a Senior Computer Specialist. We are a diverse driven group developing cutting-edge genomic technologies to quantify the effects of genetic variation at scale engineer genomes and understand cellular function.

Position Complexities

The successful candidate will become an integral part of the team. Working with Dr. Fowler collaborators and other members of the lab they will support ongoing projects by developing software tools databases and pipelines for analyzing diverse data. Current projects involve high-throughput DNA sequencing data and cell images. We are strongly committed to equity and diversity and strive to empower all lab members to realize their potential by learning acquiring skills and taking on new challenges.

Background on the Department of Genome Sciences

The Department of Genome Sciences (GS) is part of the University of Washington School of Medicine (UW SOM) and is comprised of 33 labs addressing leading edge questions in biology and medicine by developing and applying genetic genomic and computational approaches taking advantage of genomic information now available for a host of species. GS is making major contributions in the application of genome science to understand the fundamentals of biology and to improve human health and wellbeing. Genome Sciences is a collaborative department supported by very different academic disciplines. We work with a multitude of Program Investigators (PIs) in departments both on the UW campus as well as worldwide. The department has gone through significant expansion since its beginning in 2001 with annual grant awards of $39M in FY25. The department has 63 training teaching and research faculty.

Job Responsibilities

Bioinformatics software maintenance and development - Responsible for contributing to new and existing software tools based on the requirements of users in Fowler lab and the broader scientific community. Develop and maintain high-throughput data analysis pipelines for DNA sequencing and imaging data. Develop and maintain databases associated APIs -based websites and web applications for sharing data (60%)

Requirements gathering - Support management researchers and technical staff in gathering requirements for software improvements in terms of overall function fit with laboratory processes and data reporting and analysis needs. Collaborate with other developers and a diverse interdisciplinary team including faculty staff and outside project collaborators based in different home institutions to define the informatics needs of the Fowler lab and the external community. (15%)

Troubleshooting and analysis - Responsible for general troubleshooting alongside other researchers to solve new data analysis problems (15%)

Software documentation - Write specifications and code documentation to ensure that others understand what each specific piece of code is doing to provide transparency in case another developer ends up being responsible for maintaining this developers code or in the case of bug fixes that need to occur in the future (5%)

Software testing - Test all new software modules prior to release to check for bugs or potentially undesirable side-effects of code interaction (5%)

Required skills

• Bachelors degree in computer science bioinformatics genetics biology chemistry or related field. Equivalent experience may substitute for educational requirement

• Two years of experience in software development bioinformatics computational biology or genomic research

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements such as a license/certification/registration.

Additional Requirements.

• Demonstrated ability with Python and ability to learn new languages and programming paradigms

• Demonstrated ability to develop new code and analyses in the context of a research project

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent goal-driven work

• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

• Excellent written and communication skills

• Ability to interact with staff faculty and students at all levels

Desired skills

• Working knowledge of biology genetics genomics or DNA sequencing

• Familiarity with algorithms for analyzing high-throughput DNA sequencing data

• Familiarity with algorithms for analyzing cell image data

• Experience working with large imaging datasets

• Familiarity with versioning tools such as GitHub and SVN

• Experience with management of high-throughput data

Compensation Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Temporary or Regular

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier return they enjoy outstanding benefits opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity intellectual excitement artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin citizenship sex pregnancy age marital status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Services Office at or .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.