50%25 Research Associate - Infectious Diseases

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

About The Position

The Research Assistant – Computational Scientist supports research efforts in Dr. Priya Issuree’ laboratory, which studies epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation in immune cells. This position will provide computational support by analyzing experiments across laboratory projects and will require analysis, organization and interpretation of both newly generated and existing genomic datasets and using computational tools to perform integrated and multimodal data analyses, under the PI’s supervision. This role involves the development, implementation, and maintenance of computational pipelines; application of statistical tests and rigor to generation of integrative models of gene function in immune cells. The RA will work closely with scientists, trainees, and collaborators and will contribute to study design, data interpretation, visualization, and dissemination. The position may also support data infrastructure efforts, including computational tools that enhance data sharing, reproducibility, and discovery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computational biology, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related quantitative or life‑science field, or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience in a research laboratory environment is required
Experience performing computational analysis of high‑throughput biological data, such as single‑cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‑seq) and ATAC Seq
Proficiency in at least one programming language commonly used in computational biology (e.g., R and/or Python).
Working knowledge of standard bioinformatic workflows, including data quality control, normalization, statistical analysis, and data visualization.
Ability to follow established computational pipelines and analytical protocols under general supervision.
Strong attention to detail and ability to document computational methods, code, and results.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain computational results to collaborators with varied scientific backgrounds.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with integration of multimodal datasets (e.g., transcriptomic + epigenomic, data).
Basic experience applying machine learning or predictive modeling approaches to biological data.
Experience developing or contributing to reproducible workflows using version control systems (e.g., Git).
Experience generating publication‑quality figures and contributing to manuscripts, abstracts, or grant applications.
Master’s degree in computational biology, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related quantitative or life‑science field.

Responsibilities

Perform bioinformatic analyses (scRNA-Seq, ATAC-Seq, Cut and Tag, DNA methylation) based upon protocols developed by the principal investigator of the research project.
Perform combinatorial/multimodal bioinformatic analyses and appropriate statistical analyses, and generate graphical outputs to visualize findings.
Use multimodal datasets to develop new hypotheses and generate avenues for biological validation and testing by other team and lab members, with assistance from the PI
Generate figures, summaries, and visualizations for manuscripts, presentations, grant applications, and internal reports.
Proper documentation of bioinformatic codes used for different projects and establish a systematic approach to easily locate, analyze, and store data.
Develop and rigorously test new pipelines as necessary and ensure methods used are scientifically sound
Assist in preparing documentation of computational methods for publications and regulatory or funding requirements, as directed by the Principal Investigator
Develop independence in troubleshooting, analysis, and propose modifications to protocols; present results at team meetings and meet with collaborators as needed.
Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines in the laboratory.
Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain the validity and integrity of research data.
Assist with manuscript and grant preparations, under PI’s supervision
Track various indicators of project progress and summarize in reports to the research team. Prepare data/ project updates and results for discussion at weekly meeting with PI.
Assist in the maintenance of cloud servers and external servers used for data storage at the university
Ensuring proper functioning of all hardware and software needed for data analysis and storage