Bioinformatician 1

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany•Rockville, MD

5d•$88,300 - $132,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Bioinformatician I is based at the Rockville, Maryland facility and designs, develops, and deploys scalable data analysis pipelines supporting genomics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) services in product biosafety and pharmacogenomics. The role works with cross-functional teams, management, and end-users to turn user requirements into robust computational solutions and advance NGS applications in biosafety testing. The Bioinformatician designs and troubleshoots pipelines, algorithms, and analysis strategies under the direction of the technical lead; analyzes complex experimental data and verifies results with Study Management; maintains documentation for study integrity and peer review; and communicates project progress, timelines, and technical bottlenecks. The role also drafts SOPs, manages change control for validated systems, and evaluates technologies to optimize protocols while following safety standards. The position does not offer work-authorization sponsorship. External applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience in information technologies, computational sciences/programming, bioinformatics, or another scientific discipline; or a master's degree and at least 1 year of such experience; or a Ph.D. in one of these fields.
External applicants must be eligible to work in the United States; work-authorization sponsorship is not offered.

Nice To Haves

High proficiency in Linux/UNIX environments, relevant coding languages such as Python, Perl, and shell scripting, version control such as Git, and software testing frameworks.
Hands-on experience analyzing high-throughput NGS/genomics data using command-line tools, workflow automation such as Galaxy or cloud services, and cluster resource managers such as Torque/Maui.
Background in wet lab techniques such as PCR, qPCR, and Sanger/NGS sequencing, and familiarity with GLP/GMP regulations, safety standards, and document control.
Ability to draft technical software documentation, SOPs, and user requirement specifications and perform peer reviews and quality audits.
Excellent technical writing, cross-functional communication, and project management skills, including the ability to lead multiple complex initiatives independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and troubleshoot bioinformatics pipelines, algorithms, and data analysis strategies for genomics services under the direction of the technical lead.
Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, verify results alongside Study Management, and maintain detailed documentation for study integrity and peer review.
Update Management, Study Directors, and interdepartmental teams on project progress, timelines, and technical bottlenecks.
Draft SOPs and manage change control for validated systems.
Explore new technologies to optimize protocols while adhering to safety standards.