Bioinformatician Faculty - Statistical Geneticist

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Job ID: EB-1047837376
Job Title: Bioinformatician Faculty – Statistical Geneticist
Location: Worcester, MA

Bioinformatician Faculty – Statistical Geneticist (Sign-On Bonus)
Join a Macular Degeneration Center of Excellence
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences | UMass Chan Medical School
Worcester, Massachusetts

UMass Memorial Health — the clinical partner of the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and the largest health care system in central Massachusetts — is actively seeking an innovative Bioinformatician Faculty – Statistical Geneticist to join the interdisciplinary team led by Dr. Johanna M. Seddon that applies human genotyping and sequencing data, computational analysis, and bioinformatics to interpret large-scale human genetic datasets generated from subjects with macular degeneration (AMD) and visual loss.

Join our esteemed macular degeneration research team in ophthalmology and be at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries. By becoming a full-time member of the Seddon Lab, you will play a pivotal role in unraveling the complexities of quantitative genetic-epidemiology and macular degeneration, a critical field in eye health. We offer a collaborative, innovative, and dynamic environment where your skills and passion for ophthalmology will thrive. Our work has a direct impact on advancing treatments and improving patients’ lives. If you’re driven to make a difference in the world of macular degeneration research, we invite you to join our team and be part of transformative advancements in eye care.

The ideal candidate for this full-time faculty role should be a researcher/scientist with proven ability to analyze human genotyping and sequencing data, as well as proficiency with high-performance computing. The Bioinformatician Faculty – Statistical Geneticist will submit publications in peer reviewed journals, present at scientific meetings, and grow in the academic environment.

UMass Chan Macular Degeneration + Seddon Laboratory Highlights:
  • 100% protected research time, as well as a non-tenure track faculty appointment available based on candidate’s interests and qualifications.
  • Breakthroughs in the Seddon Laboratory include the discovery of several of the known genetic variants associated with macular degeneration, including the discovery of the first genetic variants in the HDL pathway, VEGF pathway, collagen extracellular matrix pathway, and the first confirmed rare genetic variants in the complement pathway with high impact on the disease.
  • UMass Eye Researchers are engaged in innovative projects to better understand various blindness causing diseases.
  • Work in a dynamic and collaborative research environment, which embraces LEAN process improvement principles.
  • Access cutting-edge technology and resources for your innovative research at the Seddon Lab, a Macular Degeneration Center of Excellence.
  • Research on Retinal Diseases: Seddon Lab focuses on the genetic, epidemiological, and behavioral factors affecting macular degeneration and macular dystrophies and finding new therapies.
  • Opportunities for career development, advancement, and networking.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • UMass Chan recognized as Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work, named to Forbes’ list of Best Employers in Massachusetts, and named a U.S. News & World Report 2023 Best Medical Grad School for Primary Care & Research.

New England’s second-largest city is an affordable place to live on the East Coast: Worcester, MA, is just 45 miles from Boston, Providence, and Cape Cod with a short ride to the scenic Berkshire and Wachusett Mountains. In addition to the reliable public transportation, diverse culture, nightlife, acclaimed restaurants, excellent public schools, and entertainment, the average housing price in Worcester is lower than the Massachusetts average. This diverse city has nine colleges and universities, including UMass Chan Medical School, which overlooks the panoramic views of Lake Quinsigamond. Worcester contributes to the rise of booming technology, research, manufacturing, and healthcare industries in New England and is the home to an outstanding arts and cultural scene.

Professional Qualifications:
  • Doctoral degree required in quantitative genetic-epidemiology, statistical genetics, computer science, or bioinformatics in statistical genetics, computer science, a related computational discipline, with experience listed below:
    • Three (3) or more years of experience and working knowledge of genetic databases and websites; strong background in computational programs such as Operating Systems (e.g., UNIX, LINUX, Windows); Scripting languages (e.g., Perl, Python, Bash, Tcl); Programming languages (e.g., Java, C/C++); and Statistical programming (R or MatLab), PLINK, SAS
  • Proven ability to analyze human genotyping and sequencing data
  • Thorough knowledge of methods used in complex trait genetics, genomic research projects including quality control, knowledge of potential biases and how to control for them in study design and analyses
  • Proficiency with large complex genetic datasets and high-performance computing
  • Experience with cloud-based computing
  • Knowledge of epidemiological methods and analyses including longitudinal studies.
Application Instructions:

Applicants are asked to apply online via the “Apply Now” button below. Direct all expressions of interest, including a CV, to: ericd@kbic.com and/or academicmedicine@kbic.com

Contact Information:
Eric Dickerson
Managing Director & Sr. Practice Leader
Kaye/Bassman International Corp – Academic Medicine Practice
Phone: (972) 265-5245 – Direct

UMass Memorial Health has a tenured relationship with Kaye/Bassman and has retained the search firm, once again, to support UMass’s efforts to attract and hire talented physician leaders to join the faculty across the health system.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

UMass Memorial Health is committed to enhancing health and science education, ensuring community health, building a diverse workforce, and enriching lives through extensive community outreach. Accordingly, we seek qualified candidates who can contribute to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion through service, mentorship, teaching, and scholarship. UMass is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.