NLM Bioinformatics Specialist and Developer (SME) I - III

Lexical Intelligence, LLC•Bethesda, MD

1d•$90,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lexical Intelligence provides software and services related to processing large-scale biomedical information sources. Our Natural Language Processing (NLP) and analytics software is used by policy and decision makers to evaluate and prioritize current and emerging areas of research. We are looking for Bioinformatics Specialists and Developers (SMEs) I - III to work within the National Library of Medicine (NLM), Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications (LHNCBC), NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD. The SMEs will have experience in biomedical informatics research and development, software development and data analytics, and clinical data systems and statistical analysis. The SMEs will have a firm understanding of AI/ML methodologies, NLP techniques, and translational science informatics. The SMEs shall be able to work well within a team of multidisciplinary researchers, data scientists, software engineers, and federal staff across NLM divisions and NIH institutes. The selected applicants will be subject to a pre-employment background and reference check.

Requirements

Experience and education requirements as specified above (commensurate with SME level I–III)
Proficiency in one or more programming languages including Python, Java, C++, R, JavaScript, SQL, or MATLAB
Experience with machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and/or natural language processing (NLP) methods
Experience with software development lifecycle (SDLC) including analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance
Familiarity with FISMA requirements and secure coding best practices (OWASP, US-CERT standards)
Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to document technical work for both internal and external audiences

Nice To Haves

Experience with clinical data systems, including storage, searching, analyzing, and viewing of health-related datasets (e.g., EHR, claims data)
Proficiency in statistical methods such as logistic/multinomial regression, Cox regression, predictive modeling, and/or Large Language Models (LLMs)
Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Splunk, Google Analytics, Databricks, SAS, Python, Spark SQL, R, or PowerBI
Knowledge of cloud computing platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) including IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and CI/CD configurations
Experience with containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, Anthos, or OpenShift
Familiarity with web development standards including Section 508 compliance, Responsive Design, and RESTful architecture
Experience supporting biomedical research projects in areas such as computational biology, AI-driven clinical research, image processing, or translational science
Familiarity with Agile/Scrum project management frameworks
Experience with database technologies such as MySQL, MongoDB, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, or Elasticsearch
Knowledge of NIH/NLM/HHS security frameworks, including NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, FIPS 199/200, and Authority to Operate (ATO) processes
Experience with data interoperability, data harmonization, data linkage, and longitudinal clinical studies
Familiarity with tools such as Jupyter Notebooks, GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, or ETL workflows

Responsibilities

Participate in all phases of software, application, and tool development and maintenance, including inception, analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance
Support NLM's mission to advance data science, open science, biomedical informatics, biomedical discovery, and translational science
Develop and maintain systems and databases for the secure storage of Personal Health Information (PHI), Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and Personal Information (PI), including support for the FISMA-moderate FEHRDI environment
Conduct statistical analysis including regression analysis, predictive modeling (ML/DL), and synthesis of research findings using AI tools (LLM), and extract and standardize text into categorical data using NLP techniques
Perform data management functions including data collection, standardization, imputation, harmonization, integration, and interoperability
Design and implement AI and other technology projects, including for the Center for Clinical Observational Investigations
Support the development of web-based and user interfaces based on user needs analyses, design prototyping, and evaluation using graphic design, data visualization, and user-centered design techniques; all interfaces must meet Section 508 compliance requirements
Leverage commercial cloud computing services (GCP, AWS, Azure) to make tools publicly available
Conduct software testing and quality control employing automated testing environments and configuration management
Document technical project requirements, timelines, and development schedules for internal and external dependencies
Generate status updates for management and stakeholders, identifying progress, changes, and potential risks
Conduct applied research activities using modern methodologies including user surveys, stakeholder interviews, and usability testing
Ensure all developed software is documented for internal and external users and future maintenance
Ensure system architecture is secure, extensible, and able to integrate with existing internal or external systems
Ensure outputs are compliant with HHS, NIH, NLM, and LHNCBC security and operational policies
Utilize Agile and Scrum project management frameworks to ensure project deliverables are met within defined timelines
Ensure compliance with organizational security and privacy policies, protect sensitive data and systems, report security incidents, and participate in required cybersecurity training
Implement best practices related to access control, data handling, and risk mitigation within the scope of assigned duties
Collaborate with NLM's Office of Computer and Communications Systems (OCCS) and LHNCBC's Scientific Computing Branch (SCB) to ensure system compliance with security policies