Bioinformatician - American Technology Consulting

Title: BioinformaticianLocation: 550 W 16th St Ste BMarion County, Indianapolis, IN 46202Interview:- WebcamPurpose of Position/Summary:Incumbent is responsible for the study, development, maintenance, andperformance of cutting-edge next generation sequencing (NGS) based biologicalassays in the areas of bacteriology, virology, and parasitology. In addition tothe wet-lab testings this position also puts an emphasizes on the bioinformaticsside of NGS utilizing advanced computational methods to analyze the resultsobtained from NGS assays. The incumbent should have experience with developingprimer/probe sets, data analysis, and bioinformatic pipeline development.Essential Duties/Responsibilities:Incumbent will lead bioinformatic analysis of microbial and viral NGS data togenerate actionable laboratory and public health results. Representative dutiesinclude:• Research, develop, design, validate and implement novel NGS-based laboratoryassays using advanced computational resources, reproducible programmingtechniques, and QA methods• Perform and maintain bioinformatic analysis of NGS data using developedsoftware and workflows. •Evaluate recent literature and standards in the field and make recommendationsand changes to workflows to ensure sequencing analysis procedures are alignedwith current best practices in the field. •Troubleshoot NGS assays and analysis pipelines when needed to ensure the bestdata is being used to generate data•Strictly follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling andprocessing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient testresults.• Extraction of nucleic acids from specimens, isolates, and samples via avariety of manual and automated methods;•Utilize molecular techniques such as, but not limited to, PCR, sequencing, andNGS;• Evaluate, interpret, and validate laboratory results and reports findings.• Maintain quality control of the laboratory processes as well as the analysisprocess to ensure that data is defendable.• Maintain an inventory of laboratory supplies and order as needed to ensuretesting needs are met. • Assist in preparations of epidemiological and/or statistical reports from datacompiled on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis.• Maintain competency in all trained areas.• Perform all related work as required.•Testing personnel responsibilities (493.1495 Standard):The testing personnel are responsible for specimen processing, test performanceand for reporting test results.(a) Each individual performs only those high complexity tests that areauthorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensuratewith the individual’s education, training or experience, and technicalabilities.(b) Each individual performing high complexity testing must— (1) Follow the laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results; (2) Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens; (3) Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed; (4) Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance; (5) Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the general supervisor, technical supervisor, clinical consultant, or director; (6) Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications; and (7) Except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section, if qualified under § 493.1489(b)(5), perform high complexity testing only under the onsite, direct supervision of a general supervisor qualified under § 493.1461.(c) Exception. For individuals qualified under § 493.1489(b)(5), who wereperforming high complexity testing on or before January 19, 1993, the requirements of paragraph (b)(7) of this section are not effective, provided that all highcomplexity testing performed by the individual in the absence of a general supervisor is reviewed within 24 hours by a general supervisor qualified under § 493.1461.Job Requirements:• Extensive knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of molecularbiology, NGS and related sub- specialties;• Specialized knowledge of bioinformatic pipelines, analysis tools, and bestpractices in analysis of NGS data.•Specialized knowledge of current scientific methods and testing procedures andthe ability to apply them when seeking solutions to public health laboratoryproblems;• Specialized knowledge of troubleshooting techniques for NGS applications atthe bench level as well as in analysis•Specialized knowledge of and ability to use a full range of standard technicalequipment, complex scientific apparatus, and automated techniques of analysis;• Extensive knowledge of laboratory safety practices and principles;• Aware of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies concerningthe program area (i.e. CLIA); • Ability to meet requirements for personnel certification as a technologistpursuant to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA)• Ability to effectively communicate technical information both verbally and inwriting and maintain productive working relationships;• Ability to satisfactorily participate in proficiency testing programs andrecognize QA problems;• Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate, and prepare laboratory reports.Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:N/ADifficulty of Work:Incumbent is engaged in scientific analyses that demand accuracy anddemonstrated proficiency in applying laboratory analytical skills to selectpertinent guidelines and formulated plans for problem solving. Projects involvemany complex variables of great intricacy and the microbiologist is often calledupon to analyze and identify unusual specimens/samples. Work requires use ofanalytical judgment and technical knowledge in order to draw accurate, logicalconclusions. Incumbent will also be required to develop and research new testingprocedures as well as the data analysis and reporting of NGS data.Responsibility:Incumbent works independently as an expert in the assigned area. Technicaland/or detailed instruction is provided only upon request when necessitated by aprocedural change and/or special project. Incumbent maintains established safetypractices when working with materials that have a chemical hazard or biohazardpotential. Reports are reviewed for general technical accuracy; however, tasksare performed independently. Errors in work could adversely affect the health,safety and well being of the incumbent or coworkers.Personal Work Relationships:Incumbent works with supervisor and with other State Department of Health staffsuch as Laboratory Safety Officer and/or external entities (e.g. local healthdepartments, etc.) to devise and implement work procedures and informationdissemination. Individual will have contact with employees and the public as alaboratory expert and in the explanation of laboratory procedures andrecommendations when appropriate. Incumbent will be the subject matter expert onbioinformatics ascepts of NGS results generated in our laboratory or by externalpartners.Physical Effort:The required personal protective equipment can be cumbersome and awkward. Extraeffort and concentration will be necessary to perform routine laboratorymanipulations under these conditions.Working Conditions:The incumbent will be performing tests on potentially dangerous specimens.Consequently, safety standards are of primary importance. This position will berequired to use all appropriate personal protective equipment in the designatedlaboratory area. The laboratory space and equipment can experience a dramaticincrease in temperature. The incumbent will be required to work in theseconditions and maintain a clear thought process during the testing.