Bioinformatics Analyst – Neurodegenerative Disease + Perturb-seq / CRISPR

Are you interested in single-cell genomics and functional genomics screens to leverage open science in the fight against dementia? Then we have the job for you!

DataTecnica (DT) invites applications for this currently open position at the Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We facilitate growth for the research portfolios of numerous global initiatives in the neurodegenerative disease space, with a focus on Alzheimer's and related dementias.

This position would support bioinformatics efforts focused on integrating large-scale multi-modal data types in various research applications, namely single-cell and single-nucleus transcriptomics, functional genomics screens (Perturb-seq/CRISPR), and potentially spatial-omics, in disease-relevant human cellular models for neurodegenerative diseases. The main responsibilities for this position include collaborating on the development, implementation, execution and maintenance of common research pipelines for analysis as well as benchmarking plus implementation of existing open science workflows in this space. This includes identifying perturbation signatures and performing differential expression analysis, integrating results across experimental replicates, de-multiplexing pooled and barcoded cultures, and analyzing single cell CRISPR screens in iPSC lines carrying disease-linked mutations. The successful candidate  will also be required to generate plots, tables and figures and present analysis updates to colleagues regularly. There are also some opportunities to contribute to larger collaborative creative research projects and publications resulting from these active collaborations. For specific details, please see below.

Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, molecular biology, neuroscience or similar field
• Experience with bulk and single-cell and/or single-nucleus RNA-seq analysis (e.g., Scanpy, Seurat) including QC, clustering, and annotation
• Experience with functional genomics screen analysis, ideally Perturb-seq or CRISPR-based screens (perturbation signature identification and differential expression)
• Familiarity with 10x Genomics platforms and chemistries (3’and FLEX-based gene expression)
• Experience with de-multiplexing of pooled samples (genetic and/or DNA-barcode based) a strong plus
• Comfortable working with large datasets (thousands to millions of cells and multiple conditions)
• Familiarity with statistical conventions and data visualization of such datasets
• Biology background and interest in or willingness to learn about neurodegenerative disease cell biology
• Python and/or R proficiency
• Familiarity with distributed, parallel HPC and/or cloud computing (NIH Biowulf and google cloud ideal)
• General knowledge of sequencing technologies
• Able to troubleshoot
• Able to work independently or with minimum supervision
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team of scientists

Scope of work:

• Develop and deploy bulk and single-cell data processing and QC pipelines at scale
• Build and maintain perturbation-signature and differential expression workflows, integrating results across experimental replicates
• De-multiplex pooled, DNA-barcoded cultures and analyze CRISPR-based screens in disease-mutation lines (e.g., iNDI lines carrying AD-associated mutations)
• Support integration of transcriptomic data with parallel proteomics and imaging data types
• Management and sharing of public datasets
• Knowledge transfer
• Collaborate

Preferences:

• Local or willing to immediately relocate to the Washington DC Metro area
• Experience with the National Institutes of Health or similar federal research structure
• Ability to work in person on the Bethesda NIH campus Tuesday through Thursday

Additional notes:

This position will include opportunities to grow your bioinformatics and data science skills as well as publish high impact research in collaboration with NIH initiatives we support. As this is an NIH contract opportunity, a US work permit, citizenship or green card are required. Hybrid work scenarios with part time on the NIH campus is required (Washington DC metro area), with 3 days needed on NIH campus per week. This position is for long term support of ongoing and growing research portfolios, empowering candidates to grow with the team. Compensation is commensurate with experience, ranging generally from $80k-160k per year. Interested candidates should submit their application, including CV, cover letter, code example (github) and emails of potential references (if available) to info@datatecnica.com. All compensation and benefits are negotiable and in line with current glassdoor estimates, commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin immediately.