Research Assistant / Research Associate, Part-Time Hourly, Division of Research & Innovation
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant / Research Associate, Part-Time Hourly, Division of Research & Innovation at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Position Purpose:
Research Assistant provides bioinformatics and computational informatics support to users of Wayne State University’s Genomics Science Center (GSC). Develops, maintains, and optimizes computational workflows, scripts, and software tools to facilitate genomic data processing, analysis, and visualization. Supports research activities by improving the efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability of bioinformatics pipelines and enabling GSC users to generate data visualizations and obtain research-relevant insights from complex biological datasets.
Essential Functions:
- Design, develop, and maintain workflow management systems and automation scripts to support Genome Sciences Core bioinformatics pipelines, including integration of R (command for basis data analyses and statistical modeling) and Python applications.
- Execute, troubleshoot, and optimize computational analyses for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics datasets using established R and Python workflows.
- Develop, test, and validate scripts and software tools that improve the efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability of bioinformatics data processing and analysis.
- Document computational workflows, software, and analytical procedures; maintain code repositories and technical documentation to support reproducible research and knowledge transfer.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications – Research Assistant
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, biological sciences, molecular biology & genetics.
Minimum Qualifications – Research Associate
Education: Doctorate degree
Ph.D. degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, biological sciences, molecular biology & genetics
Experience: Intermediate (3 to 4 years’ job-related experience).
Three to four years of related experience in bioinformatics, computational biology, scientific programming, genomic data analysis, or a related technical field.
Proficiency in a scripting language (Perl/Python) as well as robust knowledge of R (command for basis data analyses and statistical modeling) and Unix(a language used to give operating systems commands to follow) commands.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Proficiency in Python or Perl scripting and demonstrated ability to develop and maintain computational scripts and automated workflows.
- Strong working knowledge of R for statistical analysis, data processing, and data visualization.
- Proficiency with Unix/Linux command-line environments and associated scripting tools.
- Knowledge of bioinformatics workflows and computational methods used to process and analyze genomic data.
- Experience working with single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, or other high-throughput sequencing datasets.
- Ability to troubleshoot computational workflows, test and validate software tools, and improve the efficiency and reproducibility of analytical processes.
- Ability to document technical procedures, maintain code repositories, and communicate technical information effectively to research users.
School/College/Division:
The Division of Research & Innovoation
Primary Department:
H0905 - VP Research
Employment Type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Research
Funding/Salary Information:
- Compensation type: Hourly Wage
- Hourly Rate: To be determined
Working Conditions:
Normal office environment.
Work involves the use of computers, computational software, and Unix/Linux-based systems to develop, maintain, and execute bioinformatics workflows.
Job Openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, height, weight, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer including persons with disabilities and veterans
Wayne State University
Human Resources * 5700 Cass Avenue * Suite 3638 AAB
Detroit, MI * 48202
