Bioinformaticist - McDonnell Genome Institute

Position Summary

We are assembling a team of Computational Biologists to answer important questions about neurodegeneration, organelle biology, and context-dependent gene function. The team will mine data generated by the McDonnell Genome Institute (MGI) and publicly available datasets to generate mechanistic insights into the biology of disease and find new therapeutic candidates. This joint position is shared between the MGI, the Mitra, and the Milbrandt labs.

We seek a bioinformatician to design and conduct the described project. The successful applicant will have substantial Computational Biology experience and sharp attention to detail is a must. This position offers superb opportunities for continued scientific learning, career development, and authorship.

• Design and perform analysis of in-house and public datasets to answer questions about neurodegeneration, organelle biology, and context-dependent gene function.
• Pursue independent research projects, develop testable hypotheses, and collaborate with teams to design experiments.
• Investigate new computational methods when needed to answer novel biological questions.
• Produce well-documented code and electronic notebooks.
• Research and recommend new algorithms and statistical approaches.
• Train other researchers on analysis software and research databases.
• Assist with reporting of methods, data, and results.
• Present work periodically at group meetings.

Position is 100% computational and located in the Couch Biomedical Research Building and Fort Neuroscience Research Building. Candidates are expected to work in person in a flexible, challenging academic environment.

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 4 years of research experience
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages (Python, R, Perl, Java)
• Experience in Linux/Unix and/or Windows environments and high‑performance compute clusters
• Strong organizational skills and detail orientation

• Master’s or Ph.D. in computer science, computational biology, or related field
• Experience with machine learning/AI methods
• Good understanding of probabilistic models, statistics, machine learning, and discrete mathematics
• Expertise in standard bioinformatics tools
• Experience maintaining complete, detailed, well‑organized Jupyter notebooks
• Adaptability and ability to learn new computational techniques

$55,200.00 – $ annually. Individual rates within the range will be determined by qualifications, performance, and market rates.

If you are unable to use the online application system, contact Candidate Questions for assistance. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, drug screening, credential verification, and physical examination.

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time
• Competitive health insurance with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance
• Free Metro transit U‑Pass for eligible employees
• Defined contribution retirement savings plan (403(b)) with university contributions starting at 7%
• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs, employee assistance program, financial resources, dietitian access
• 4 weeks of caregiver leave for new childcare needs; additional child care resources available
• Tuition reimbursement for the employee and dependents up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to equal employment opportunity. The University’s policy provides equal opportunity and access to all persons in all job titles, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.