Staff Scientist - Pathology & Immunology

Washington University in St. Louis · Washington University Medical Campus · $48,000–$86,900 (stated in the posting)

Location

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110



Scheduled Hours

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist in Computational Biology and Multi-Omics to develop, implement, and maintain computational pipelines for the analysis of high-dimensional genomic and spatial-omics datasets. The successful candidate will work closely with experimental scientists to analyze complex biological datasets, develop reproducible computational workflows, and integrate information across multiple molecular and cellular modalities.

The ElTanbouly Lab will primarily use in vivo mouse models, in vitro primary cell culture, flow cytometry and multi-omic approaches to uncover new pathways regulating plasma cell biology, fate and longevity.

The position will have a particular emphasis on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), scATAC-seq, bulk transcriptomics/epigenomics and spatial transcriptomics, including 10x Genomics Xenium, with opportunities to work with additional genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and imaging-based datasets.

The ideal candidate will:
(1) combine strong computational and quantitative skills with an interest in biological discovery and will play a central role in translating large-scale multi-omic datasets into biologically meaningful insights.
(2) have several years of experience in the bioinformatics or computational biology fields.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Following instructions and discussions with the principal investigator, designs research protocols, including developing procedures for the collection, verification and management of data.

Develop, implement, optimize, and maintain robust computational pipelines for single-cell and multi-omic data analysis, including scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomic datasets.
Establish and maintain workflows for 10x Genomics (preferably scRNAseq, Xenium, scATAC and multi-ome), smartseq datasets; related experience in image and transcript quality control, cell segmentation assessment, transcript assignment, cell-type annotation, spatial neighborhood analysis, and integration with complementary single-cell datasets.
Perform end-to-end analysis of scRNA-seq datasets, including:
- raw data processing and quality control;
- normalization and dimensionality reduction;
- batch correction and data integration;
- clustering and cell-type annotation;
- differential gene-expression analysis;
- pathway and gene-set enrichment analysis;
- characterization of cellular heterogeneity and cell-state changes.
Develop and run/conduct reproducible computational workflows using scripting and workflow-management tools and maintain well-documented analysis pipelines that can be reused across projects.
Perform statistical analyses and develop publication-quality visualizations of complex multi-dimensional datasets.
Work collaboratively with experimental biologists to formulate analytical strategies, interpret results in their biological context, and identify additional analyses or experiments needed to test emerging hypotheses.
Provide guidance on experimental design for sequencing and spatial-omics studies, including considerations related to sample size, sequencing depth, batch effects, technical controls, and downstream analytical requirements.
Establish procedures for computational quality control, data organization, metadata management, version control, and reproducibility.
Manage analysis of large datasets using institutional high-performance computing environments and/or cloud-based computational resources.
Troubleshoot computational workflows and identify technical or biological sources of unexpected results.
Maintain awareness of new developments in single-cell genomics, spatial biology, computational biology, and multi-omic data integration and introduce useful new approaches into the laboratory's analytical framework.
Contribute computational analyses, figures, and methodological descriptions to manuscripts, grant applications, presentations, and collaborative research projects.
Maintain clear documentation of analytical methods, software versions, parameters, and computational workflows.
Where appropriate, train and support laboratory members in computational analysis, data visualization, and best practices for reproducible research.

Working Conditions:

Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Laboratory Operations (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Analytical Problem Solving, Collegiality, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Detail-Oriented, Teamwork and Cooperation, Willingness to Learn

Grade

R10

Salary Range

$48,000.00 - $86,900.00 / AnnuallyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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