Director-Bioinformatics & Analytics Core

Division of Research, Innovation & Impact

Overview of the Role and Facility:

The University of Missouri (MU) is pleased to announce an opening for a Non-Tenure Track Assistant Research Professor position with a working title of Director - Bioinformatics and Analytics Core. This position directs the daily operations and strategic planning of the Bioinformatics and Analytics Core (BAC), a shared campus resource. BAC is a centralized resource for providing expert bioinformatics, analytical and data science consulting and analysis solutions for the UM System as well as public and private industry partners. The core offers services to investigators within and outside MU on grant-funded and fee-for-service projects for the management and analysis of large-scale biological datasets produced in a variety of ways.

The mission of the BAC is to advance translational science by providing informatics and data science support services, developing innovative tools and leveraging high performance computing resources for the University of Missouri (UM) system campuses and their researchers. Our team supports investigators by helping them take advantage of modern research methods across all sectors of the life sciences by analyzing information-rich, large-scale datasets.

Additionally, we provide training in informatics and data science in order to help develop a future skilled workforce capable of meeting the needs of industry. BAC works to accomplish its mission in three primary ways: 1.) providing analytical support for research, 2.) developing a unified informatics research information systems infrastructure for the UM system and 3.) providing outreach and training.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

* Lead and develop a team focused on implementing data science solutions to large life-science focused data problems

* Build a data-driven, cross discipline, integrative research solution that supports researchers in translational, computational approaches for the BAC

* Manage the daily operations of the BAC, including oversight of all projects and infrastructure, the purchase, utilization, and upkeep of all equipment.

* Hire, train, and manage all BAC employees.

* Train MU investigators in the proper use of informatics and analytics techniques to analyze, visualize, integrate and understand their research data.

* Advise clients on experimental design, protocols, and sample preparations.

* Provide post-acquisition image processing and analysis and assist with data interpretation.

* Develop informational, educational, and marketing materials to communicate information to BAC stakeholders and potential customers.

* Oversee the implementation of policies and procedures to comply with institution and other applicable regulations (e.g., biohazard material handling, IBC Protocols).

* Maintain and generate reports and BAC-use statistics, provide budget analysis as requested.

* Participate in grant proposal development and manuscript writing.

Minimum qualifications for this position include a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science or related fields with at least 4 years of postdoctoral experience.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

* Proven record of applying or developing computational biology approaches to generate new hypotheses.

* Proven record of conducting collaborative research.

* Proven record of contributing to cross-disciplinary projects and working in large teams.

* Fluency in programming and scripting languages is required (e.g., R, Python, Perl) and their use in a LINUX environment.

* In depth knowledge of integrative omics analysis, next generation sequencing, data mining, complex data analysis and statistics.

* Experience in computational approaches for whole genome analysis and single cell sequencing technologies is an additional benefit.

* Extent of experience in bioinformatics and analytics application in biology including experiment design, execution and analysis

* Previous experience working in a multiuser research core facility

Competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Appointment is ranked, non-regular, twelve-month appointment.

Upload a letter of application in which you describe in detail your qualification for the position. Include your CV.

Please contact Dr. Chris Lorson (LorsonC@missouri.edu) for questions about the position.

Formal review of application will begin October 1, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.