Scientific Analyst II

Scientific Analyst II – Arizona Genomics Institute, School of Plant Sciences

The Scientific Analyst II will analyze genomic and transcriptomic datasets from cultivated rice varieties, identifying genetic variants and differentially expressed genes to support research on drought tolerance. The role involves extensive use of command line tools, handling long‑ and short‑read sequencing data, and collaborating with researchers across multiple sites.

• Align Pac Bio HiFi reads, call variants (SNPs, SVs), integrate variants across ~160 samples, develop analyses, summarize results, and present at scientific meetings.
• Perform differential gene expression analysis on short‑read datasets across ~160 rice samples, identify DE genes and associate them with the panel.
• Run genome‑wide association studies to link genetic variation with phenotype data from IRRI field sites in the Philippines and Tanzania related to drought tolerance.
• Conduct eQTL analyses to connect gene expression data with drought tolerance field studies.

• Excellent verbal and written communication, including technical writing and documentation.
• Strong understanding of plant genome analysis, evolutionary analyses, and population genomics.
• Extensive knowledge of genome sequencing technologies and data handling.
• Proficient in Unix command line, software execution, and output interpretation.
• Familiarity with high‑performance computing infrastructure.
• Ability to evaluate result quality and perform novel analyses as required.

• Master’s degree in plant biology or related field with emphasis on computational biology.
• Three years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• PhD in plant biology or related field with emphasis on computational biology.
• Three years proven experience in plant genomic analyses: variant calling, gene expression, and association studies.
• Experience with R and sequence‑data analysis software for gene expression and association studies.

Salary: $59,404 – $74,254 per year (salary at 1.0 FTE). Full‑time, exempt from FLSA. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability programs, paid vacation and sick leave, tuition reduction, retirement plans, and access to campus recreation and cultural activities.

Application materials:
Resume and cover letter. Contact:
Rod

A. Wing, rwing. Open until filled. Position open date 12/18/2025.