Job Description:

Department:

Epidemiology-463501

Career Area :

Research Professionals

Posting Open Date:

11/25/2024

Application Deadline:

12/09/2024

Open Until Filled:

No

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title:

Computational Biologist

Appointment Type:

EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

20067957

Vacancy ID:

NF0008689

Full Time/Part Time:

Part-Time Permanent

FTE:

0.75

Hours per week:

30

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

Dependent on Qualifications

Proposed Start Date:

01/06/2025

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as
one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of
professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy
exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a
comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The Department of Epidemiology is one of the seven departments located in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The department's primary focus is to the development and application of research methods to understand the patterns and causes of health and disease, and the application of that knowledge to improving the health of populations. We provide strong training in research methods and opportunities for the application of epidemiology to a wide range of health problems through our research. The achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have enabled us to become one of the leading academic departments of epidemiology in the world. The department has 30 Tenured-Tenure Track / 7 Joint Tenure-Track Faculty, 25 Fixed Term / 3 Joint Fixed Term Faculty, 120 Adjuncts, 19 EHRA Non-Faculty, 15 Postdocs, 34 SHRA (Staff), 44 SHRA Temporary and 202 Students. The department's operating budget is 27 million a year.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Statistician with computational biology skills to support multiple genetic epidemiologic research projects (Computational Biologist). Current research seeks to understand relationships between risk factors and adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes using genetics and multi-omics. This multidisciplinary research aims to improve health among racial/ethnic minorities and eliminate health disparities. The candidate will be responsible for the management, quality control, and analysis of data across multiple projects. Data include biological markers and disease phenotypes related to kidney and cardiovascular disease. The work will be conducted in both Unix/Linux and Windows environments or cloud computing settings. The Statistician will develop, modify, and maintain statistical coding and Unix scripts (cshell; perl). The Statistician will develop and modify, in collaboration with the Principal Investigators, data analysis plans that may include, but are not limited to, descriptive analyses, regression analyses, multilevel and mixed modeling, and application of new approaches to genomics data. The ability to work independently and to organize and adjust priorities appropriately as guided by the Principal Investigators will be critical for the success of this position.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

* Minimum of two years' work experience with SAS or R and modeling procedures in the Unix, Linux, and Windows environments


* Skilled in conducting analyses of large genotype and phenotype datasets, including association and admixture mapping statistical modelling, Bayesian modelling, integrative analyses of multi-omics, and familiarity with clustering analysis, and time-to-event approaches


* Experience constructing composite variables, merging data, and performing extensive quality control checks


* Experience documenting pipelines to maintain datasets, programs, and associated annotation for future reproducibility


* Ability to communicate technical information efficiently to non-technical team members, and display excellent interpersonal and communication skills as there is interaction with members of a multi-disciplinary team of individuals within and outside UNC


* Familiarity with data security principles and working with PHI


* Demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritize his/her own work as s/he will be responsible for meeting deadlines and implementing any needed reporting, data manipulation, or analyses on time


Experience gained during graduate or post-doctoral studies is acceptable

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

* Degree or background in biostatistics, statistics, computer science, bioinformatics, or other data science


* Experience in etiologic research in pediatric and/or adult kidney disease

Special Physical/Mental Requirements:

* Typical physical demands of a professional position with a high amount of computer usage and screen time

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions:

All applications should be sent electronically to the attention of Nora Franceschini at the following website:
https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/292056. Applicants should provide a letter describing their qualifications, along with their curriculum vitae, contact information for at least three professional references, and a R Script Sample for Analysis.

Apply Now