Job Description

At Houston Methodist, the Bioinformatician position supports our mission to advance precision medicine by applying computational approaches to transcriptomic, spatial and proteomic data from both patient tissues and in vivo experimental models. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to translational research projects focused on cancer biology and immunology, bridging discovery in preclinical systems with clinical relevance. Under minimal supervision, the Bioinformatician will independently conduct a wide range of data analysis tasks and collaborate closely with experimental and clinical researchers to interpret results and generate biological insights. 

Key responsibilities and qualifications include:

• Experience analyzing transcriptomic and/or proteomic data, including bulk or single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, or multiplex immunofluorescence imaging
• Proficiency in R or Python and familiarity with standard NGS workflows (alignment, quantification, QC, clustering, differential expression)
• Ability to create clear and effective data visualizations for internal discussions, presentations, and publications
• Strong scientific communication skills, including the ability to explain computational methods and interpret biological relevance to interdisciplinary teams
• Enthusiasm for collaborative, translational research in a fast-paced academic environment
• Working knowledge of biostatistical approaches relevant to high-throughput data analysis
• Experience with machine learning or AI methods in single cell or spatial genomics is a plus, but not required

Requirements:

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads or coordinates discussions on a reoccurring or ad hoc schedule involving bioinformatics issues, update and projects with physicians, staff and vendors.

• Communicates effectively and demonstrates necessary application upgrades and needed improvements for medical director NGS result interpretation.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs bioinformatics analysis NGS assays.

• Trains staff to perform clinical NGS assay bioinformatics analysis workflows prior to medical director result interpretation.

• Maintains hardware, servers, software and databases used in the lab.

• In coordination with the medical directors, testing personnel and vendors, troubleshoots bioinformatics pipelines, application or hardware related issues as they arise.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains compliance with guidelines set by regulatory bodies.

• Prepares bioinformatics analysis protocols to be implemented into the clinical testing workflow and clinical NGS report templates for the medical directors.

• Validates and performs audits of scheduled bioinformatics quality assurance tasks, including but not limited to new versions of publicly annotated databases, COSMIC, server backup and failover testing.

• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, security and emergency preparedness.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Accountable for the proper use of equipment and supplies.

• Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops and validates new and current bioinformatics pipelines, Gui application tools, application upgrades and server hardware.

• Provides statistical support to health science research projects.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

• Master of Science degree with a major in bioinformatics, computer science, biostatistics or mathematics

WORK EXPERIENCE

• One year of work experience in bioinformatics analysis

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Skill in planning and organizing the work area

• Ability to analyze and solve problems

• Demonstrates self-motivation in performing job duties and following procedures

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs No
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

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