Bioinformatics Data Scientist II

The Infectious Disease Laboratory Division (IDLD) is currently seeking a highly motivated Bioinformatics Data Scientist II to join the Genomics Center group. In this role, you will work collaboratively and cross-functionally with colleagues to execute Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows that support the surveillance, diagnostics, and research efforts of the California Department of Public Health. We are seeking new group members to contribute to the development and implementation of computational workflows for DNA sequencing. The position will collaborate with several multidisciplinary CDPH teams and other internal and external partners to contribute to CDPH infectious disease research and surveillance. The ideal candidate should have a broad computational background, an understanding of molecular and cellular biology, and expertise with sequencing platforms such as Illumina and Oxford Nanopore. The position is in Richmond, CA.   

Must submit a resume with application.

The salary range for this position is $91,500 -$117,588 annually depending on experience/qualifications. 

Must be able to work flexible hours that may include weekends and holidays.

If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation). The applicant will need to have the qualifying exemption.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist in the development, management, and maintenance of large-scale genomic databases used to manage workflows used for infectious disease research and surveillance.
• Critically analyze genomic data to support public health surveillance and infectious disease outbreak investigations using conventional and innovative analysis tools.
• Work with internal and external collaborators, including local public health laboratories and collaborating sequencing laboratories.
• Develop innovative solutions for the interoperability of data systems among federal, state, and local health departments, commercial and governmental laboratories, hospitals and medical providers, academic partners, and other public health entities.
• Collaborate with CDPH response teams, including COVID-19 whole genome sequence teams, surveillance/epidemiology, outbreak investigations, contact tracing, policy makers, information technology, and leadership, to enhance and/or obtain systems for storing, analyzing, reporting, and sharing related data.
• Conceptualize, coordinate, and produce internal reports and public-facing materials (e.g., tables and visualizations) that describe/interpret epidemiologic analysis that influence prevention policy.
• Present at meetings and scientific conferences, if applicable.
• Participate in conference calls with key stakeholders at CDPH, local health jurisdictions (LHJs), CDC, and academic partners.
• Perform other duties as directed by CDPH Leadership.
• Collaborate effectively with team members.
• Maintain flexibility to work onsite as needed to meet IDLD demands and team collaboration requirements.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Next-Generation Sequencing technologies and sequence analysis tools.
• Ability to code in Python, R, SQL, or similar programming languages with a focus on clarity, security, deployment, and future maintainability.
• Familiarity with shell scripting and command line usage in Linux environments.
• Able to present complex results, both verbally and in writing, to computational and non-computational audiences.
• Knowledge of fundamentals and principles of epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health.
• High-level analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with public health and healthcare professionals as well as internal partners.
• Knowledge and application of security and confidentiality requirements for reportable disease/public health surveillance data and protection of public health information.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and work well independently and with a team.
• Demonstrate reliability, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Education/Experience 

• B.S. or higher degree in Bioinformatics or a related field, such as Data Science, statistics, or computer science.
• B.S. or higher degree in Biology/Virology or a related field with significant bioinformatics experience.
• Experience working in an NGS core facility is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of epidemiological/biostatistical methods, genetics, and/or bioinformatics, preferred.
• Expertise in a programming language such as R, Python, SQL, or a similar language is required.
• Experience in Bioinformatics and Next Generation Sequencing analysis.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to build custom tools when needed.

Certificates/Licenses

• None

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Experience with cloud computing and maintenance of cloud-based infrastructure is preferred.
• Knowledge and/or experience in microbiology, virology, and molecular biology is preferred.
• Familiar with public genomic databases and resources (NCBI, GISAID, Ensembl, etc.).
• Knowledge and understanding of elements of data governance.
• Knowledge of and skilled in the use of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand: Occasionally
• Walk: Occasionally
• Sit: Frequently
• Handling / Fingering: Frequently
• Reach Outward: Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
• Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 30 lbs
• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
• See: Constantly
• Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

KEY

• Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions
• Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)
• Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day)
• Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General office and laboratory setting, indoors, temperature-controlled

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.