Research Associate (Limited Duration)

Portland VA Research Foundation • Portland, OR

4d • $30 - $45 • Hybrid

About The Position

A parttime (2-15 hours per week) Research Data Analyst - ideally someone trained/experienced in statistical genetics and/or computational biology/neuroscience - is being recruited for a VA Portland Healthcare System (VAPORHCS)-based research team that examines the genetics, genomics, and genetic epidemiology of neurological disease (i.e., epilepsy, stroke and traumatic brain injury) using data from the VA's Million Veteran Program (MVP) genetic research database. The incumbent will possess independent problem-solving skills, a high level of reliability and self-motivation, established organizational skills (including genetic database searching and data management), computer coding experience (e.g. Python, R, SQL, PLINK) excellent interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work in a complex and multidisciplinary national research team.

Requirements

• Completion of a master's degree (or higher doctoral degree) with major courses in relevant field of study: genetic counseling, genetics (clinical, statistical or quantitative), molecular and cellular biology, computational biology, neuroscience, computer science, bioinformatics, statistics, epidemiology, public health, or a related scientific discipline.
• College-level or above math or statistics is required.
• Must have prior experience with scientific writing, as evidenced by authorship on peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with Microsoft office, genetic database search capability (i.e., ClinVar, OMIM, Varisome, Annovar, etc.), and database management (i.e., REDCap, MS Access, or SQL-based databases) is required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the research team in English is required.
• Because this position is based in a VA facility, the successful candidate must secure a VA Without Compensation Appointment (WOC) prior to starting work, and must maintain a WOC Appointment in order to continue employment.
• All PVARF employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 within 8 weeks of hire, unless medically exempt.
• Employees will be required to provide either proof of vaccination or an approved medical exemption prior to beginning work.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate level statistics and/or computer coding coursework is preferred.
• Certification (or eligibility) with American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) or American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) is preferred.
• Prior research experience in genetics, genomics, clinical research, neuroscience, neurology, computational biology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, public health, or epidemiology, is preferred.
• Experience with statistical and/or database-relevant coding (i.e., R, SQL, PLINK, command line, and/or Python) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform phenotyping analysis of healthcare data from adults with epilepsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) including deep clinical phenotyping of individuals based on electronic health record (EHR) and survey data using Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) terminology and NIH's Common Data Elements (CDEs); statistical/computational phenotyping via utilization and validation of healthcare administrative algorithms and machine-learning models; and systematic databasing of phenotypic data.
• Perform genetic/genomic analysis of genotyping data (i.e. microarray and whole genome sequencing [WGS] results) from adults with epilepsy, stroke, TBI including: analyzing genetic information to determine the risk levels for specific genetic conditions; genotype-phenotype correlations; determining if genetic variants could be responsible for phenotypes via genetic database-based research (e.g., ClinVar, OMIM, Varisome, etc.); and systematically databasing genetic data.
• Recordkeeping, data organization and data management (e.g., study records, data entry into databases, data checking and cleaning, data harmonization, data summary, data analysis, and data graphing) on secure virtual platforms behind the VA firewall.
• Study team member responsibilities: regular research team meeting attendance; dissemination of study results in the form of writing/editing/preparing abstracts, posters, and manuscripts; writing grant applications; and participation in conferences and professional associations to upgrade skills and learn about new developments in genetics, genomics, and genetic epidemiology.

Benefits

• Portland VA Research Foundation is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin or age.
• Portland VA Research Foundation uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level