Department: MED-Center for Genetic Med
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

Job Summary:

Provides expertise in data management, quality assurance, analysis and reporting.  Establishes data accuracy and validity derived from a variety of systems. Performs data analysis using statistical techniques. Interprets results in the context of scientific knowledge. Assists in dissemination of key findings. Provides statistical and computational support for experimental design and collaboration.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Designs and prepares documentation for qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Discuss findings with senior management.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Development

• Develop queries and quality metrics.
• Interprets results using a variety of techniques, ranging from simple data aggregation to more complex statistical analysis.

Performance

• Completes data cleaning and organizes data files for analysis.
• Reviews data and identifies quality issues.
• Presents findings in an appropriate manner.

Supervises

• Provides work direction and/or supervises staff such as team members, subordinates, contractors, vendors, students, etc.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Biostatistics, or other related field.
• 2 years data analysis/report writing or similar experience required.

Infrastructure (extends across applications)

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
• High Performance Computing (HPC)
• Linux Operating System
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook)

Programming Languages and Frameworks

• R

Compliance

• HIPAA

Analytical

• Critical thinking
• Data mining
• Data modeling
• Database design/ data structure
• Judgment
• Metadata creation and management
• Problem solving
• Troubleshooting
• Read & interpret scientific literature
• Data visualization

Project

• Code documentation
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Evaluate resources
• Functional documentation
• Organizational skills
• Workflow development & documentation
• Data management

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Knowledge of human genetics and genomics.
• Knowledge of biostatistics relevant to analysis of human genetics/genomics data.
• Proficiency in linux/unix high performance computing environment.
• Ability to work with large, complex human genetics/genomics datasets.
• Proficiency in R
• Programming expertise, including data management, code documentation, version control, code dissemination.
• Experience with data visualization.
• Proficiency in results dissemination (powerpoint, oral and written presentations)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2 years experience analyzing human genetics and genomics data, and reporting results.
• 2 years experience in Linux/unix and high performance computing environments.
• 2 years experience in using/developing software: programming e.g. python, expertise with documentation, version control, and code releases.
• 2 years experience with the standard suite of genetics tools (R, PLINK, GCTA, imputation, phasing, etc.).
• MSc in Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Biostatistics, or other related field.
• Experience determining SOPs for genetic/genomic data analysis workflows.
• Experience with flagship human genetics/genomics resources: e.g., GTEx, TOPMed, UK Biobank, ENCODE
• Experience with dbGaP controlled datasets.
• Experience mentoring trainees .
• Experience onboarding new computational employees.
• Formal training in data visualization.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Experience with cloud computing.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Knowledge of machine learning.
• Knowledge of cancer biology.
• Experience with web design.
• Proficiency in database design and maintenance.
• Experience with reference manager (e.g., ENDNOTE, Zotero)

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.