Computational Scientist II - Genomics (MoCha)

Job ID: req2554
Employee Type: exempt full-time
Division: Clinical Research Program
Facility: Frederick: Ft Detrick
Location: PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702 USA

The Frederick National Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. The lab addresses some of the most urgent and intractable problems in the biomedical sciences in cancer and AIDS, drug development and first-in-human clinical trials, applications of nanotechnology in medicine, and rapid response to emerging threats of infectious diseases.

Accountability, Compassion, Collaboration, Dedication, Integrity and Versatility; it's the FNL way.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Molecular Characterization Laboratory (MoCha) is part of Leidos Biomedical Research's Clinical Research Directorate (CRD) at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. The MoCha Laboratory is responsible for providing high-level research in support of the NCI-Cancer Diagnostics Program (CDP) within the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD). MoCha's major activities include development and application of genomic assay platforms for use in DCTD-sponsored national clinical trials and preclinical studies.

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and collaborative computational scientist to support computational and biological related questions in assigned projects/programs:

• Derive biological insight from single-cell RNA sequencing data and digital spatial transcriptomics data across a range of diseases, including clinical and preclinical model
• Develop, test, validate and maintain algorithms/tools for single-cell RNA sequencing data and digital spatial profiling data
• Analyze genomics data from quality control through generation of results, in collaboration with pathologists, biological scientists and NCI investigators
• Interact with PIs to define strategies for genomic data analysis including hypothesis generation and testing of predictive biomarkers of drug response
• Provide biological interpretation of the genomic analysis to advance the understanding of cancer
• Supervise and collaborate with other bioinformatics team members to ensure the quality of work and the prioritization of projects to meet deadlines
• Be responsible for generating scientific opinions, identifying potential resources or constraints, and proposing strategies for exploiting available databases and program data generated at the molecular and cellular levels
• Interact extensively with intramural laboratories at the NIH and extramural scientists and present the findings to PIs

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• P ossession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) n biomedical science/bioinformatics/math/statistics/computer-related discipline. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
• In addition to education requirement, a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible scientific and/or complex system management/bioinformatics experience
• E xtensive experience in analysis of 10X Genomics single-cell RNAseq data and NanoString's GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP) data (including quality control, quantitation of gene expression, data modeling, and biological interpretation)
• Expertise applying and developing statistical and machine learning approaches to address questions in biology, such as: regression, Bayesian modeling, random forests, ensemble methods, clustering, survival analysis, and dimensionality reduction
• A solid understanding of biology (molecular, immunology, cancer or other disease) and prior experience collaborating with biologists and clinicians
• E xperience managing large datasets and computational tasks in a Linux-based high-performance computing environment and cloud environment
• Proficiency with Bash, Python, Perl, R, MATLAB, C/C++, and/or JAVA and bioinformatics tools and database management
• Strong computational/bioinformatics skills and demonstrated ability to work with scientists to deliver on objectives in defined timelines are required
• Independence, self-motivation, innovation and ability to excel in a goal-oriented, multifaceted and fast-moving team environment are required
• Experience and demonstrated success in a team-oriented environment and excellent communication skills (written and oral); ability to organize and execute multiple projects in parallel
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

This position is essential to the success of MoCha and on-site presence in Frederick, MD and occasionally in Shady Grove (Rockville, MD) is required.

JOB HAZARDS

• This position is subject to working with or have potential for exposure to infectious material, requiring medical clearance and immunizations

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) | Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran (M/F/D/V) | Drug Free Workplace (DFW)

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