Biological Data Research Scientist

Cherokee Federal•Frederick, MD

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Cherokee Nation Integrated Health (CNIH) is seeking a Computational Biologist I to provide biological data computational support for high-content imaging and high-throughput screening activities. In this role, you will collect and integrate biological, chemical, screening, and ADME data; support the development and management of a searchable database with the Information Technology team; analyze phenotypic screening datasets; and develop computational approaches that support the identification and down-selection of promising small-molecule drug candidates for therapeutic product development against biothreat agents. The successful candidate will apply computational skills and a biological background to support data integration, analysis, reporting, and decision-making related to biological assays, chemical compounds, and phenotypic screening. This position requires the ability to independently explore complex datasets, identify relevant data attributes and relationships, develop computational tools and analytical approaches, and communicate findings effectively to laboratory, technical, and project stakeholders. This position requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance to be considered. As required by our governmental client, this position requires being a US Citizen.

Requirements

Experience working with high-content imaging, high-throughput screening, phenotypic screening, biological assays, chemical compounds, or ADME data.
Experience collecting, organizing, integrating, migrating, and managing biological, chemical, screening, imaging, experimental, and associated metadata.
Experience assessing data requirements and identifying relevant fields and attributes to support the development of searchable databases.
Experience working with Information Technology teams to support database development, configuration, data migration, or data management.
Experience using R and relevant R packages, spreadsheets, graphics, statistical programs, and other computational methods to analyze complex biological datasets.
Ability to independently explore and analyze phenotypic screening data and apply computational approaches to identify patterns, relationships, and potential mechanisms associated with infection or therapeutic treatment.
Ability to develop computational tools and approaches that integrate screening data with biological assay and chemical compound metadata.
Ability to apply analytical and reporting tools to support data-driven decisions, including the identification and down-selection of promising small molecules for therapeutic product development.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, scientific writing, and communication skills, with the ability to communicate experimental data, technical findings, and work-related issues in written and oral formats.
Ability to collaborate with laboratory scientists, Information Technology personnel, vendors, and other project stakeholders and provide appropriate technical communication and support.
Ability to prepare technical reports, standard operating procedures, manuscripts, monthly technical progress reports, and scientific presentations.
Ability to present research findings at laboratory meetings, scientific discussions, and scientific conferences, as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing or supporting searchable databases for biological, chemical, screening, imaging, or experimental data.
Experience integrating biological, small-molecule chemical, assay, imaging, screening, and ADME data with associated metadata.
Experience developing computational tools, workflows, analytical methods, or reporting approaches to support biological data integration and scientific decision-making.
Experience using statistical programs, data visualization tools, spreadsheets, and R packages to analyze complex biological or phenotypic screening datasets.
Experience supporting drug discovery, small-molecule screening, ADME analysis, therapeutic product development, or research involving biothreat agents.

Responsibilities

Collect data generated from high-content imaging and high-throughput screening platforms and support the development of a searchable database that captures relevant biological, chemical, screening, and experimental metadata.
Assess high-throughput screening workflows and identify requirements, relevant fields, and data attributes needed to support database configuration and management.
Capture, integrate, and migrate biological, small-molecule chemical, screening, and ADME data into the database and support ongoing data management.
Develop and apply analytical and reporting approaches to evaluate screening data and support the identification and down-selection of promising small molecules for therapeutic product development.
Perform self-directed exploration and analysis of phenotypic screening datasets using relevant R packages, spreadsheets, graphics, statistical programs, and other computational approaches.
Apply computational and biological expertise to develop tools and approaches that improve integration of screening data with metadata associated with biological assays and chemical compounds.
Analyze complex biological datasets to help identify patterns, relationships, and potential mechanistic bases for physiological and pathological responses to infection or therapeutic treatment.
Communicate experimental data, laboratory issues, and other work-related matters to the appropriate point of contact and communicate with vendors regarding technical support and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
Assist with reporting and communication of test results and prepare technical reports, standard operating procedures, manuscripts, and other scientific documentation.
Prepare and provide the TPOC with a Biological Data Research Technical progress report no later than the last day of each month.
Present research findings in written and oral formats at monthly laboratory meetings, scientific discussions, and at least one scientific conference per year, if required. Travel may include CONUS and/or OCONUS travel.
Attend weekly scientific discussion meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.