Overview
Biologist (Bioinformatics)
A title 42 service fellow position at the GS-11 or GS-12 level is currently available in the STD Laboratory Reference and Research Branch (SLRRB), Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) within the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Duties and Responsibilities
The position will involve working with the GC Bioinformatics and Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) Activity team within SLRRB on the use of AMD methods (i.e., next generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis) for genomic epidemiological studies. Duties and responsibilities will include: the development of advanced bioinformatics pipelines /workflows to conduct large scale phylogenetic analysis and visualizations; performing bioinformatics analyses of large scale genomic data; integration of statistical methods, antimicrobial resistance markers, phenotypic and demographic data for improving genomic surveillance within CDC for State and other public health labs.
Qualifications:
1. Demonstrated technical activity involvement.
Knowledge of NGS technology and concrete skills in bioinformatics analysis for Illumina NGS data.
2. Knowledge of prokaryotic genomics and phylogenetics.
Interest in antibiotic susceptibility and resistance mechanisms.
3. Proficiency in at least one high level scripting and programming language (e.g. Python (preferred), JAVA, R, C++).
4. Knowledge of a Linux environment, running a cluster using SGE and BASH shell scripting.
5. Knowledge of statistical or mathematical analysis packages.
6. Strong oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
7. Demonstrate initiative in evaluating and experimenting with new technologies.
Basic Educational Qualifications:
Degree: Applicant must have a master’s or equivalent graduate degree plus at least one-year specialized experience. Degree major may be in the field of study of biological sciences, microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, public health, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) to successfully perform the duties of the position to include performing biological scientific studies.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit the following to Sandeep J. Joseph (lww9@cdc.gov) with copy to Marlowe Thompson (ouu2@cdc.gov). Please include the text “CDC-NCHHSTP-BIOINFORMATICS” in the email subject line of all communications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
A one-page Cover Letter
Resume or CV
About CDC/NCHHSTP/DSTDP/STD_LRRB
STD Laboratory Reference and Research Branch (SLRRB), Division of STD Prevention
National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
SLRRB’s mission is to provide reference and/or research activities for sexually transmitted infections or diseases such as syphilis (Treponema pallidum), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and organisms causing emerging infections such as Mycoplasma genitalium (MG). The branch supports domestic laboratory capacity to improve laboratory-based methods for detection of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and successful treatment through evidence-based laboratory science regarding diagnostics and clinical intervention strategies. Specific SLRRB activities include (1) conducting and participating in clinical, field, and laboratory research to develop, evaluate, and improve laboratory diagnostic capacity, (2) develop and publish laboratory guidelines, drug therapies, and epidemiologic tools for STDs, (3) conduct laboratory assessment of antimicrobial resistance in STD pathogens; (4) consult with and support laboratory efforts for domestic and international activities including serving as a World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) collaborating center for STDs, and collaboration with NIH, FDA, NCI, and other government agencies. The SLRRB provides subject matter expertise to collaborative centers domestically and globally.
