Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE 

Working under limited supervision, coordinate research work in medical and related technical areas. The Research Assistant 3 will play an important role in advancing our understanding of the cancer immune microenvironment and response to immunotherapy by leveraging leading computational methods to analyze complex biological data. Positioned within a dynamic research lab committed to uncovering novel therapeutic targets for brain tumor patients, this role focuses on the computational exploration of immunomodulatory activity programs within immune cells in tumors, with an initial focus on myeloid cells. The research assistant will apply specialized bioinformatics skills to interpret high-dimensional datasets, including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), spatial transcriptomics, and genomic sequencing, contributing directly to the identification of key molecular drivers and therapeutic vulnerabilities in glioma. Through close collaboration with experimental biologists and clinical researchers, this position aims to bridge the gap between computational insights and clinical applications, ultimately enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapies for brain tumors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Coordinate laboratory/ research activities in computational research activities and carry out complex computational research assignments of a non-routine nature, including single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis, spatial transcriptomic analysis, and image analysis. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyzes data. Conduct data analytics and statistical analysis for research projects; provide input and recommendation to principal investigator regarding significant developments. Perform data analyses including but not limited to scRNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, survival, regression, univariate, multivariate, machine learning and related analyses. Determine the appropriate computational requirements for the given research project and help design and execute the analysis pipeline. May perform required programming and analysis for multiple research studies as assigned. (55%)
Work closely with the principal investigator to provide data visualization for academic publication and research presentations. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts and contribute data analysis and interpretation for grant proposals. May co-author research projects.  (20%)
Devise new protocols and techniques for research projects involving a high degree of skill and training. In consultation with the investigator(s) and collaborators, design bioinformatic projects, as well as their hypotheses and analytical needs. Design, manage, and analyze the bioinformatic components of projects and experiments. Provide interpretation of various statistical and spatial/mapping outputs, develop predictions, and make recommendations on study design. Keep track of current methods for molecular datasets and update pipelines as necessary with version tracking. Document and implement version control for all pipelines. Monitoring of public datasets and databases. Testing novel analysis pipelines and methods. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

Prepare result summaries. Generate analysis reports including the results and documentation of the pipeline. Apply appropriate statistical methods and/or collaborate with the team to ensure statistical rigor of results. Maintain pipeline. Understand and maintain current knowledge of related databases and analysis tools. (5%)
May monitor laboratory budget. (5%)
May supervise and train students and lower-level technicians who are conducting computational analysis in the lab.  (4%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)
CONTACTS 

Department: Frequent interactions with the principal investigator to provide status of ongoing projects and summary of completed tasks. Regular interactions with members of the department to help with data analysis support. Contact with administrative staff as needed.

University: Regular contact with collaborators in other university departments and centers. Occasional contact with the CWRU UTech for computing support. Occasional contact with Research Administration, IRB, and Sponsored Projects Accounting.

External: Occasional contact with outside supply vendors, other institutions, and funding agencies as needed

Student: Occasional interactions with undergraduate/graduate students working in the lab or in the lab of collaborators.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May supervise students and technicians.

QUALIFICAITONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of related experience required.

Education: Bachelor of Science degree required.

How to apply: Search for job #14277 at jobs.case.edu

Requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS

High-level proficiency in the use of various coding languages, including R and Python.
Mastery of computational biology data formats (eg. FASTQ, BAM, GTFs, BIGWIG, BED).
Experience with public databases including (e.g. GEO, SRA, dbGAP, GDC, TCGA). Familiarity with APIs, database querying, and data management.
Experience with computational biology software packages (eg. GATK, QIIME, CellRanger, Seurat, BWA, STARAligner, QIIME) and ability to adapt and implement new software as necessary. The lab will utilize the Terra platform. Familiarity with this platform is desired.
Skills in quality control/quality assurance in laboratory and multidisciplinary programs in bioinformatics
Demonstrated skills in analytics, integration and visualization.
Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices and procedures within the field of biostatistics.
Demonstrated expertise working with highly complex data, performing complex analytic tasks, and formulating findings and recommendations from the analysis.
Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.
Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making.
Excellent analytical skills; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis. Strong programming, algorithm, and computational abilities and interest.
Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timeline.
Ability to work independently with direct but limited guidance.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University.
Ability to operate all the common laboratory equipment, such as: Pipettes, PCR Machine, Centrifuge, Biosafety Cabinets, Incubator, Tape Station, Nanodrop, Flow cytometer, and Microscope.
Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
WORKING CONDITIONS

The employee may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, eye protection) will be provided. May be required to participate in on-call schedule or be on site evenings or weekends as clinical testing demands warrant. Work during snow emergencies or other unexpected campus closures may be necessary.