Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, LABORATORY SERVICES DIVISION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or similar field with an emphasis in Bioinformatics.

Summary

This classification will assist in analysis of sequencing data produced by the agency of average difficulty. An employee in this class is expected to apply state-of-the-art computational methods and assist in the development of innovative approaches to software challenges that touch all aspects of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Sanger Sequencing data analysis. This includes, but is not limited to: pathogen identification, outbreak tracking, mapping drug-resistance determinants, variant analysis, genome annotation and phylogenetics. Sequencing analysis may include bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, and human data. Coding knowledge, efficient communication skills, basic knowledge of microbiology, training and outreach are necessary requirements for this position. This classification performs responsibilities at the entry/training level under general supervision. This class differs from PUBLIC HEALTH BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST 2 in that an incumbent of the latter performs advanced level responsibilities of increased complexity and/or scope.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data using community-accepted or independently verified bioinformatics tools and development of pipelines for high throughput analysis.
• Use bioinformatic pipelines for analysis of sequencing data for the state of Tennessee. Ensure that pipelines are meeting all quality assurance (QA) requirements for analysis and provide appropriate quality control (QC) reports for sequencing data that has been generated. Maintain knowledge of bioinformatic pipelines that are being utilized in the community for analysis to independently verify that bioinformatic pipelines are generating accurate reports. Participate in national collaborations to further the development and implementation of sequencing at state public health agencies.
• Generate sequencing reports and genomic interpretations to share with internal and external stakeholders as appropriate [e.g., The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)] to support outbreak investigations and surveillance. Summarize the reports to share with laboratory staff to provide technical support. Document bioinformatic activities to share through scientific publications and/or presentations.
• Under general supervision this position performs work to verify/utilize improved methods and services.
• Perform computer infrastructure maintenance and data storage back-ups. Work with laboratory scientists to ensure correct storage and documentation of generated sequencing data and analyses that meets all state record retention policies.
• Utilize data visualization tools and develop reports for stakeholders.
• Tailor and translate bioinformatics discipline-specific terms, concepts, results into accessible information for non-bioinformatics audiences in both written and oral communications.
• Perform basic QA/QC analysis and utilize commercial software packages to perform single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling, genome assembly, limited phylogenetic analysis and whole genome analysis.
• Work in Linux environment performing some bioinformatics analysis and build pipelines with limited capabilities.

Competencies

• Knowledgeable in biology, chemistry, information technology, customer and personal service, and the use of clerical tools and procedures
• Skilled in science, mathematics, programming, system evaluations, equipment operation, active learning and listening, and learning strategies.
• Ability to use deductive and inductive reasoning, written and oral comprehension and written and oral expression.
• Competency in problem solving, customer focus, time management, and priority setting

Tools & Equipment

• Personal computer/laptop
• Public databases
• High performance computing environment
• Telephone, and other technology