Computational Biologist Postdoctoral Scholar (Joint Genome Institute) - 84499 Department: JG-Joint Genome Institute
The Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) (a division of the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab) has an exciting opportunity available for a Computational Biologist Postdoctoral Scholar to participate in ongoing research in the Viral Dark Matter project. JGI has been instrumental in driving the characterization of Earth’s Virome towards a better understanding of its role in regulating microbial communities. We are looking for a talented, highly motivated candidate with a strong background in microbiology, virology, host-virus interactions, metagenomics. computational biology and bioinformatics to join our team. You will be expected to perform viral genomics research, with a strong emphasis on systems level characterization, analysis and understanding of soil virome from metagenomics & metatranscriptomic data. This role will work as part of the Prokaryotic Super Program and is expected to work independently, as well as contribute as a member of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of biologists, bioinformaticians, computer scientists and software developers. You will report to the Prokaryotic Program head. What You Will Do: • Perform large scale analysis of viral genome sequence data, analyze metagenomics sequences, and perform comparative analyses. • Contribute to research in the Viral Dark Matter project as part of a large multidisciplinary team. • Interrogation and interpretation of soil microbial and viral metagenome and metatranscriptome datasets. • Utilize scripting language(s) and apply standard bioinformatics tools and pipelines for the analysis of genomic and metagenomic data. • Work in a high-performance computing environment and interact with a team of computer scientists, software developers and postdoctoral researchers to develop new methods and tools for large-scale metagenome data analysis. • Perform comparative analysis across hundreds of metagenomic data and billions of genes. • Develop statistical methods to compare different samples/communities. • Prepare research results for publication and for presentations at scientific meetings. • Application of standard bioinformatics tools for the analysis of genomic/metagenomic data. • Design and implementation of new approaches for soil virome analysis. • Publish in peer review journals and deliver scientific presentations at scientific meetings. Additional Responsibilities as needed: • Development of software for organization and handling of metagenomic data and automation of analytical procedures. • Develop and present updates and reports at group meetings. • Support the development of user interface for navigation and data comparisons across thousands of genomic/metagenomic samples. What Is Required: • Recent Ph.D. (within the last 4 years) in Bioinformatics, microbiology, virology, or a related discipline with training/experience in bioinformatics. • Experience in any of the following areas: viral genomics, metagenomics, microbial ecology. • Strong experience in analysis of microbial/viral genomes and metagenomes is essential with a proven track record in this area reflected in recent or pending publications. • Strong experience with UNIX utilities and filesystems. • Familiar with command line sequence analysis tools e.g. Last, Hmmer, Megahit, MetaSpades, etc. • Strong experience in scripting tools in order to mine data files. • Good experience with processing and analysis of genomic/metagenomic data. • Good experience with using standard bioinformatics tools and databases. • Knowledge of Biology/Biochemistry and understanding of key and complex biological concepts (genes, pathways, microbial phylogeny). • Ability to independently carry out creative research with tenacity and of the highest quality standards. • Demonstrated ability to conduct and perform collaborative research and effectively interact with a broad range of colleagues with tact and diplomacy. • Excellent organizational, analytical, and record-keeping skills with the ability to organize and present technical reports to collaborators, JGI staff, management, and sponsors. • Demonstrated ability to accurately and eloquently represent and promote scientific projects to audiences of diverse technical backgrounds. Additional Desired Qualifications: • Experience programming in Python, Bash scripting and familiarity with Linux/Unix. • Experience with the R statistical analysis platform. • Experience with machine learning. The posting shall remain open until the position is filled, however for full consideration, please apply by close of business on May 4, 2018. Notes: • This is a full time, 3 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 2 years paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree. • Full-time, M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay. • This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. • Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. • This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment. • Work will be primarily performed at: DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) — 2800 Mitchell Dr., Walnut Creek, CA. How To Apply Apply directly online at http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=127538 and follow the on-line instructions to complete the application process. Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."
