Department

BSD HGD - Spitz Lab

About the Department

Members of the Spitz lab form a dynamic and interdisciplinary team using integrative experimental and computational approaches to understand how the structural organization of the genome influences genomic functions and notably gene expression. We use and develop novel in vivo genomic and chromatin engineering strategies in cell lines and animal models to uncover how changes in genome’s contents and organization may contribute to animal evolution, human developmental abnormalities and cancers. Our Unit is located in the Department of Human Genetics in the Hyde Park campus of the University of Chicago. The Department is the home within the Division of Biological Sciences for the study of basic principles of genetics and genomics as applied to human disease and constitutes a highly collaborative and supportive research environment. Our highly faculty bridge between basic and clinical research, and provide broad training in experimental and computational genetics and genomics, statistical and population genetics, bioinformatics to both students, postdocs and staff members, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, and medicine.

Job Summary

The lab combines cutting-edge genomic technologies (Hi-C, ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq …), single-cell transcriptomics, and functional genetics in engineered mouse models and cell lines to investigate how genomic information governs normal embryonic development and how variations in this information could contribute to human diseases.

The Computational Scientist/Bioinformatician will apply and develop new tools to process, integrate, analyze and visualize large genomic data sets generated in the lab (e.g. ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, Hi-C,). The position offers extensive possibilities for creative work on important scientific problems in collaboration with other members of the group as well as opportunities to develop a personal research project.

Responsibilities

• Administers programs and support all phases of bioinformatics activities by helping devise or modify procedures to solve complex problems.

• Interprets data analysis of high throughput genomics, proteomics and genetic data.

• Install and apply existing computational pipelines to analyze genomic (ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, Hi-C etc. …) and single-cell transcriptomics data.

• Evaluate and stay up to date with new genomic/genetic analysis tools.

• Develop computational and statistical tools to answer specific questions related to animal genomics and transcriptomics.

• Train and support members of the lab for the analysis of the different data they generate.

• Contribute to preparation of scientific publications and grants.

• Organize and maintain the lab computational infrastructure and resources, including storage of lab data resources.

• Participates in creating data algorithms and specialized computer software to identify and classify components of a biological system (i.e. DNA and protein sequences).

• Applies basic application of computational tools and information technology to gather, analyze and visualize data in biology and biomedical research.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, bioinformatics, statistics, engineering or relevant field.

Experience:

• Prior experience with the analysis of NGS datasets (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, DNA-seq …), R/Bioconductor, scripting languages (e.g. Python, C++) and a UNIX/LINUX environment is a must.

• Experience in analyzing single-cell sequencing data and/or a strong background in statistics will be an asset.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to work autonomously, to prioritize and manage workload to meet critical project milestones and deadlines.

• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Documentation and Communication are an important part of the responsibilities associated with the position.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• List of three references (required)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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