How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

The Prensner laboratory at the Chad Carr – Pediatric Brain Tumor Center is looking for an exceptional candidate for a unique Bioinformatics-Computational Biologist Intermediate position. This position affords the exciting opportunity to be part of a research effort aiming to dissect the genomic basis of pediatric cancer and its therapeutic implications. This position has an expected start date of April 1, 2023. 

What You'll Do

The successful candidate will be integral to the design, execution, and analysis of genomics data of pediatric brain tumors and other malignancies.  This individual will be expected to contribute to several lab projects and coordinate collaborations with other lab groups.  This individual will have a primary independent project as well.

This candidate will be expected to work with wet-lab biologists and other computational biologists to analyze a variety of sequencing data types including: RNA-seq, single-cell RNAseq, ribosome profiling, and low-pass genome sequencing.  He/she/they will also maintain current knowledge of additional emerging methodologies and will be expected to adapt to new sequencing-based protocols.  This candidate will both conduct independent research projects and support other lab projects.

There is a special emphasis and particular need for a candidate with expertise in machine learning / artificial intelligence.

This candidate will be expected to assist junior lab members as needed for advice and skill development in the area of computational biology. 

The candidate is expected to work largely independently on a daily basis, with regularly scheduled meetings with the Principal Investigator.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Who We Are

The Prensner Lab seeks to create a lab culture based on respect, integrity, perseverance, and fun.  We aspire to be creative and collaborative scientists who are societally-engaged.  We regularly collaborate with labs both nationally and globally.  We welcome applicants of all kinds. 

Why Work at Michigan?

As one of the world’s top universities located in one of the country’s most highly educated and most livable cities, the University of Michigan provides an outstanding research environment that is matched by a vibrant city community.  The nationally recognized medical school, cancer center, and basic science departments afford close interactions with top academic teams of diverse skillsets.

Responsibilities*

• Manage and analyze next-generation sequencing data, with particular emphasis on RNA-seq, ribosome profiling, and single-cell RNA sequencing
• Conduct independent research in pediatric brain cancer genomics
• Maintain and develop collaborations to advance the scientific work
• Assist with the computational skill development of junior lab members
• Document, compile, and format data analysis in presentations and reports to supervisor.Attends team meetings
• Other related tasks as required

Skills You Have

• Exceptional coding skills are needed, with an emphasis on Python and R
• Knowledge of machine learning is critical
• Knowledge of C++ is a plus
• Prior experience with next-generation sequencing analysis is required
• Prior experience with ribosome profiling analysis is required
• Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills, analytical practices and attention to detail are essential
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and with external contacts are needed
• Ability and eagerness to learn in a self-motivating environment

Required Qualifications*

Education

· PhD in computational biology or the life sciences, or other relevant discipline

Experience

· At least 1 year of post-graduate professional work is required.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.