Research Assistant

 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Research Assistant to join the Biology Department. This is a regular, fulltime, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits.

JOB SUMMARY

The Alexander, Pachiadaki, and Tepolt labs at WHOI are seeking a motivated individual with prior computational biology or bioinformatics experience to work as a bioinformatics technician. The technician will assist team members by providing computational analysis of multi-omics data. Job responsibilities will include analyzing high-throughput sequencing data (i.e., Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio), assembling genomes, RNA-Seq data analysis, variant calling, creating new bioinformatics workflows, implementing improvements to existing workflows, organizing and managing genetic data, summarizing acquired data, preparing material for research papers and presentations, and submitting data to repositories. We seek a candidate with proficiency in Python, R, and BASH scripting, and experience with high-performance computing. Desirable but nonessential experience includes familiarity with bioinformatics in non-model systems and environmental samples (e.g. metagenomics or population genomics), proficiency and experience with workflow management systems (e.g. Snakemake or Nextflow), and experience with GitHub.

The Alexander lab studies the biogeochemical functioning and physiological ecology of eukaryotic plankton, the Pachiadaki lab studies biogeography and ecophysiology of marine bacteria and archaea, the Tepolt lab studies population genetics and rapid adaptation in marine invertebrates. Time will be split between these three labs (and possibly others at WHOI depending on need), and the technician will be a full and participating member of all lab groups. This position is fully computational and is ideal for a candidate who wishes to gain experience in the application of advanced bioinformatic approaches to the study of marine organisms and ocean ecosystems. The technician will be credited as a co-author on papers to which they make substantial analytical contributions, and may have the opportunity to be involved in writing manuscripts (though this is not required).

There is the possibility of this role being remote/hybrid.  Funding is through December of 2024 with the possibility of extension.

The internal working title for this position could be either Research Assistant II, or Research Assistant III. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Development and troubleshooting of bioinformatics pipelines
• Independent analysis of high-throughput sequence data for a range of projects
• Development of custom, basic bioinformatic scripts in Python or BASH
• Data visualization and basic analysis in Python or R
• Working with and setting up analyses and pipelines on high performance computing system
• Genetic data management, curation, and archiving
• Good troubleshooting skills, effective time management, attention to detail, ability to work independently
• Proficiency with Mac and Linux operating system

RA II:

With some supervision, employs established laboratory procedures, standard equipment, and fundamental concepts to conduct research tasks determined by field of study and scope of individual research project.

RA III:

With little supervision, applies a broad knowledge of laboratory principles, equipment, and procedures to the completion of moderately difficult assignments determined by field of study and scope of individual research project.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

• A Master’s degree in Computational Biology or a related field (Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics etc.)
• Experience with bioinformatic analyses, pipeline development, high performance computing
• Proficiency in Python, R, and BASH scripting.
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, time management, and organizational skills

WHOI has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in effect, where you must register your full vaccination status [vaccination plus booster] in order to begin your employment. The registration process is confidential and entails submitting your official vaccination records, or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason. 

This is a mostly sedentary position.  Occupational requirements include working with others and working alone.  Physical duties are subject to change.