Details

Open Date 05/13/2024

Requisition Number PRN38526B

Job Title Research Associate

Working Title Research Associate, Bioinformatics Scientist

Job Grade A00

FLSA Code Professional

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Full-time, permanent position located in Salt Lake City, Utah. In-office with occasional ability to work from home.

VP Area U of U Health - Academics

Department 00264 - Urology

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range Start at $64,000 yearly plus benefits.

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Job Summary

The Research Associate will be responsible for data analysis and interpretation by employing machine-learning and artificial intelligence (AI) methods to extract data and patterns from large datasets and biological images. These may include datasets from whole genome sequencing, single-cell RNA -sequencing, and 2D and 3D images from fluorescent, confocal, and multi-photon microscopes.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and execute code to process large biological datasets and complex images from a variety of imaging techniques

• Lead the development of data analytics tools and predictive models to develop insights into the genetic underpinnings of diseases by leveraging complex and complementary datasets.

• Utilize machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models for genetic research tasks such as genotype-phenotype association studies, disease subtype classification based on genetic data, and identification of significant genetic features associated with phenotypic traits.

• Construct predictive models focusing on complex genetic diseases across various areas of interest, including Erectile Dysfunction, superficial fibrosing disorders, and idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis.

Required Experience :

• PhD degree in Computer Science or related field.

• Five years of experience working with medical data in the field of data science (time in PhD program can count).

• Hands-on experience with statistical and machine learning projects and frameworks, encompassing both supervised and unsupervised techniques.

• Proficiency with databases, statistical tools, and visualization tools.

• Fluency in key data science tools such as scikit-learn, SQL , and TensorFlow.

• Experience applying Gaussian Processes for tasks like genotype imputation, predicting genetic risk scores, and modeling gene expression data.

• Proficient in utilizing deep learning models, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), for digital image analysis techniques in genomic sequence analysis, gene expression prediction, and disease variant classification.

• Proven ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience in developing and executing statistical analysis plans.

• Strong organizational skills with acute attention to detail.

• Ability to write clean and efficient code in MATLAB , Python, and C++, with familiarity with relevant machine learning libraries.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferences

Desired Experience:

• Basic knowledge of cellular biology to facilitate understanding of biological datasets.

• Familiarity with medical imaging techniques, life science laboratory procedures, and experimental design.

• Proven ability to collect and work with real-world data involving human and animal subjects, ensuring ethical and regulatory compliance.

• Application of statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to analyze data and derive actionable insights.

• Selection of appropriate modeling approaches based on the problem type (e.g., classification, regression, clustering) and characteristics of the dataset.

Type Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.