Job Listings

Posting Number: req25576

Department: School of Plant Sciences-Res

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: 1657 E. Helen St., Tucson, AZ 85719 USA

Position Highlights

The Bioinformatician will analyze genomic datasets for the Arizona Genomics Institute's Service Center and its research programs.

The data will mostly consist of DNA sequencing data from long and short read platforms and public raw or analyzed datasets, with the goal of producing genome assemblies, annotation, and the overall characterization of genetic features of eukaryotic genomes.

The successful candidate will be proficient in executing software and commands via the command line, will have worked with long- and short-read sequencing data, and must have a deep understanding of eukaryotic genetics and genomics. Experience in developing and maintaining pipelines is also required.

The position requires to interact with colleagues, collaborators, and customers of very different backgrounds. The supervisor will provide moderate guidance in project planning and execution. A high degree of initiative, resourcefulness, dynamism, and professionalism are necessary.

Applicants with no experience in handling DNA and RNA sequencing data will not be considered.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Genome assembly and quality assessment. Using PacBio HiFi, ONT, and Hi-C data to generate eukaryotic genome assemblies, including manual curation. Will use established protocols for genome assemblies and manual curation. Execute available software (e.g. Hifiasm, Verkko, Merqury) and custom-made scripts to generate highly accurate, complete, and phased assemblies.
• Genome annotation and variant detection. Execute established software (e.g. BRAKER, EDTA) to identify the main genome features (e.g. genes, repeats, transposable elements, and more), with guidance as needed. Genome alignments and comparison, variant calling, integration of other resources (e.g. transcriptome, optical maps) and similar analyses as the need may arise.
• Analyze novel and different datasets (e.g. 16S, transcriptome, resequencing) for project-specific goals (e.g. population genomics, demography, functional characterization), including the conceptualization and implementation of new methods.
• Reporting, meetings, dissemination. Summarize work in reports, tables, scientific manuscripts. Interact with colleagues and external partners to give and receive feedback. Attend meetings, take notes, contribute to writing manuscripts and research proposals.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of plant genome analysis, evolutionary analyses, population genomics.
• Extended knowledge of genome sequencing technologies and handling of the data.
• High proficiency of Unix command line, executing software, developing and running workflows.
• Familiar with high-performance computing infrastructure.
• Experienced in Nextflow/Cromwell or other pipeline tools.
• Able to critically evaluate the quality of the results and to perform novel analyses as required.
• Excellent technical writing skills, maintaining and sharing documentation, note taking, and reporting at different audiences.
• Highly developed communication skills: verbal and digital.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• Bachelor degree in genomics, (bio)informatics, or related discipline with at least one year of experience in genome assembly.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience in handling DNA and RNA sequencing data.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Part Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 20

Job FTE: .50

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $65,687 - $85,393

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade

9

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level

PC2

Job Family

Research & Data Analysis

Job Function

Research

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates

Dario Copetti
dcopetti@cals.arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter

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