Bioinformatician Full-time Job

About the job

Job Title: Genomics Bioinformatician

Location: Qatar, Katara Cultural Village Foundation

Department: Katara Biodiversity Genomes Program (KBGP)

Position Type: Full-Time

Introduction:

Katara Biodiversity Genomes Program (KBGP) is a pioneering initiative dedicated to conserving Qatar’s rich biodiversity through the power of advanced genomic science. Focusing on species of both cultural and conservational significance, KBGP aims to position Qatar as a regional leader in the rapidly growing field of biodiversity genomics. By leveraging cutting-edge genomic technologies and infrastructure, the program conducts high-impact research that not only benefits Qatar but also contributes to global scientific knowledge.

About the Role:

KBGP is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Genomics Bioinformatician to join our research team. This role is pivotal in driving projects focused on reference genome assembly and annotation, transcriptomics, metagenomics, and large-scale biodiversity genomics. The ideal candidate will develop and optimize bioinformatics pipelines, manage complex sequencing data workflows, and contribute to groundbreaking research in genomics, with an emphasis on conservation and biodiversity.

We are looking for a highly-skilled, motivated, and inquisitive candidate who thrives in a dynamic research environment and is excited by the opportunity to tackle new scientific challenges in a cutting-edge genomic program, with a focus on its applications in conservation. This role offers the chance to collaborate across international interdisciplinary teams, develop innovative bioinformatics solutions, and publish in high-impact journals, advancing genomics research and its application to biodiversity conservation.

Key Responsibilities:

Analyze NGS data (e.g., both short- and long-read WGS, RNA-Seq, Iso-Seq, Hi-C, optical maps, etc,) for biodiversity genomics projects, including large-scale population genomics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), fine mapping methods, and reference-quality genome assembly and annotation of local species.

Develop and implement bioinformatics workflows and pipelines for genomics, transcriptomics, and metagenomics data processing, focusing on scalability and performance optimization.

Manage and audit the data workflow from sample collection to data stoarge, ensuring data integrity and reproducibility.

Collaborate with the Data Engineering team to build and manage the pipeline on in-house infrastructure. Investigate, benchmark, and integrate novel analyses into the pipeline, including methods for genome, transcriptome, metagenome, and epigenome analysis.

Write and document high-quality code and methods for pipeline processes.

Adopt and develop machine learning and deep learning methods in genomics, transcriptomics, and metagenomics to analyze large datasets and improve outcomes.

Collaborate with international collaborators to interpret findings and lead the preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

Design clear and impactful data visualizations and scientific figures for publications, presentations, and reports.

Contribute to publications, conference presentations, and public outreach.

Lead from the front in introducing new ideas and approaches. Actively participate in problem-solving discussions within and across teams to generate ideas that benefit the organization.

Required Qualifications:

A graduate degree (MSc/PhD) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistical Genetics, Computer Science, or a related field.

Strong background in programming and algorithms, including proficiency in languages such as Python, Perl, C, C++, or Java.

Experience in statistical languages (e.g., R) and familiarity with machine learning and deep learning techniques for genomics.

Proficiency in Linux environments, shell scripting (e.g., bash), high-performance computing (e.g., LSF,), and cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud).

Demonstrate high proficiency in the bioinformatics analysis of NGS data (short- and long-read, linked-reads, optical maps, Hi-C data) as well as transcriptomic (Iso-Seq and RNA-Seq) and metagenomic (shotgun sequencing) datasets. The role also requires adaptability to address new scientific questions that arise from the diverse projects within the program.

Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker) for scalable bioinformatics pipelines.

Track record of publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and experience presenting at international conferences.

Outstanding ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, methodologies, and results, and a commitment to learning new skills.

Excellent skills in designing clear and impactful data visualizations and scientific figures for publications, presentations, and reports using R and other methods.

Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

A curious, inquisitive mindset, with a passion for problem-solving and continuous learning, and a deep appreciation for science advocacy, biodiversity conservation, and culture preservation.

Preferred Qualifications:

Work experience in a clinical research laboratory, biotechnology industry, or hospital-affiliated institution.

Experience with web programming (e.g., PHP, JavaScript, JSON, REST API) is a plus.

Familiarity with cloud-based genomics platforms and genomic databases.

Research interests in metagenomics and epigenomics as applied to biodiversity, environmental genomics, or related fields.

Knowledge of Middle Eastern biodiversity, particularly species relevant to Qatar.

Benefits:

Opportunities for professional development and collaboration with international research teams.

Be part of a passionate team driving impactful research in genomics, conservation, and biodiversity.

Application Process:

Please submit your resume, a cover letter, a list of publications, and contact information for two references to kbgp@katara.net. Applications will be accepted until 15th November 2024.

Katara Biodiversity Genomes Program (KBGP) is a pioneering initiative dedicated to conserving Qatars rich biodiversity through the power of advanced genomic science. Focusing on species of both cultural and conservational significance, KBGP aims to position Qatar as a regional leader in the rapidly growing field of biodiversity genomics. By leveraging cutting-edge genomic technologies and infrastructure, the program conducts high-impact research that not only benefits Qatar but also contributes to global scientific knowledge.
KBGP is also committed to fostering national scientific expertise by training local scientists and offering educational opportunities for students through workshops and internships. With a focus on integrating scientific innovation with Qatar's deep cultural heritage, KBGP strives to maintain a harmonious balance between nature conservation and cultural preservation.