Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Bioinformatics Analyst III (Computational Biology) who designs and executes computational genomics and statistical analysis (mutation discovery and trait association) in large DNA Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) cohorts and genome wide RNA expression analysis. Provides analytic support and collaborative assistance to investigators and personnel.

This position will be in support of Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Medical Readiness Systems Biology Branch (MRSB) Branch. MRSB Branch, aligned under the Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience (CMPN), consists of a team of laboratory molecular biology research scientists and technicians alongside computational biologists and bioinformaticians focused on identifying biomarkers of disease using a systems biology and multi-omics approach. Laboratory scientists and support staff complete a wide range of laboratory assays necessary for generating multi-omics datasets as well as research dissemination efforts including compiling, summarizing, and presenting information to inform novel research efforts and disseminate findings. Computational scientists perform advanced data analyses and manage big data to identify biomarkers and develop products for a variety of stakeholders across the military health system, in addition to, conducting literature reviews, writing manuscripts, and developing new research protocols, and funding proposals. Products developed, analyzed, and presented by the MRSB are regularly used by enterprise leadership to inform doctrine, practices, and policies.
The research mission of MRSB aims to apply robust and precise molecular-based solutions for military-relevant health performance, resilience, and readiness. MRSB is a disease agnostic program that utilizes high-throughput, multi-omics platforms supported by a suite of cutting edge, targeted assay tools and AI-driven analytical capabilities to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and generate a knowledge base about biological mechanisms and personalized care.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

Evaluates, analyzes, and customizes next generation sequence analysis protocols, e.g. HiSeq Analysis Software, Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK), open source software, for a variety of sequencing applications.
• Develops new WGS, RNA-seq, Exome seq, genome analysis pipelines and procedures.
• Performs genome wide trait association analyses using tools such as Plink/seq, generalized linear model (glm).
• Conducts data-driven and hypothesis-directed genomics research.
• Assists with the report of experimental results for publication in technical and peer-reviewed journals. Contributes and edits data, text and figures in program publications.
• May supervise junior informatics staff.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigned Lead: May recommend the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, and starting salaries; provide input on employee performance evaluations.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree required, Doctoral degree preferred within Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computer Science or related discipline
• Minimum of 0-2 years experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Research training and proficiency in statistical analysis biomedical research, and quantitative analysis. Programming ability in (R or other statistical language).
• Scripting language (Perl, Python, or comparable), and (C/C++, Java or comparable language).
• Experience with next-generation sequencing analysis i.e. alignment, quality assessment, variant detection, statistical inference.
• Preferred experience with trait association analysis such as Plink, glm.
• Experience with pipeline development and implementation on compute clusters.
• Experience with power calculations and study design.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team in a deadline-driven environment.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a T3/Secret Clearance

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Compensation

• The likely salary range for this position is $64,200 - $109,200 annually. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final salary will be determined based on market analysis, experience, and education.

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may be required.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.