Data Analyst (Temporary)
Req #: | 171431 |
Department: | Biostatistics |
Appointing Department Web Address: | https://www.biostat.washington.edu |
Job Location: | Seattle Campus |
Posting Date: | 09/05/2019 |
Closing Info: | Open Until Filled |
Salary: | Pay Rate is Competitive. Pay Rate is Commensurate Upon Qualifications and Experience. |
Shift: | First Shift |
The University of Washington’s Department of Biostatistics has an outstanding opportunity for a limited term Data Analyst.
The Genetic Analysis Center (GAC, www.biostat.washington.edu/research/centers/gac) in the Department of Biostatistics develops and applies statistical methods to genetic and health-related data to discover how genetic variants contribute to human well-being and disease. The genetic data include variations assayed by whole-genome sequencing and microarrays, while the health data cover a broad range of traits, including complex diseases such as diabetes, asthma, atherosclerosis, and cancer, as well as quantitative traits such as hematological and lipid measurements. Projects are funded by various parts of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), but also non-profits and industry. Current major projects include operating as the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) for the NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program (www.nhlbiwgs.org) and serving as Data Stewards for the NHLBI DataSTAGE (https://www.nhlbidatastage.org/).
The TOPMed program is a cutting-edge initiative to identify genetic risk factors for heart, lung, and blood diseases using whole-genome sequencing and other ‘-omic’ assays, such as metabolomics, proteomics, methylomics, and transcriptomics. The GAC is the TOPMed DCC, which provides TOPMed with quality control of genomic data, harmonization of clinical phenotypes across studies, genotype-phenotype association analysis, as well as interpretation, reporting, and training on findings. The GAC also works to develop new statistical methodology and software for integrative analysis of multi-omic and clinical data in large samples.
The NHLBI DataSTAGE project is focused on developing and testing a cloud-based platform where investigators can store, share, access, and analyze large-scale biomedical data in a secure environment. As Data Stewards, the GAC works closely with DataSTAGE developers to implement analytic pipelines and workflows in a cloud environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Data Analyst will provide data analysis, programming, reporting, and interpretation of results for statistical genetics projects, both independently and in collaboration with other staff of the GAC. The position requires care, efficiency, and resourcefulness in the management of these data, in applying methods of statistical analyses, and in interpreting results. This requires computational, statistical, and communication skills. Specific knowledge of statistical genetics and genetic principles and terminology is desirable, but not essential.
Responsibilities will involve the following activities:
• Perform data analysis support tasks including association analyses for clinical collaborators and quality control analyses with WGS data.
• Work with GAC staff, as well as clinical collaborators, to develop goals and strategies for data analysis.
• Summarize and communicate results of analyses to GAC staff and clinical collaborators. Interpret these results; identify and contribute to the discussion of potential problems and their solutions.
• Prepare results for publications, work with collaborators in writing publications, and, in some cases, take the lead in writing publications.
• Create, manipulate, and merge large and complex data sets.
• Write and execute R and/or Python code for analysis of large data sets efficiently using parallel computing, both locally and in a cloud environment.
• Develop, package, and document code/software for use by GAC staff.
• Work collaboratively with other GAC staff to support statistical methods development.
• Follow standards for reproducible research.
Training for these activities will be provided through working closely with experienced team members. The GAC provides a highly collaborative and collegial environment in which team members across the group share expertise and mentor each other.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Minimum: Master’s in a quantitative scientific field such as biostatistics, statistics, bioinformatics, quantitative genetics, epidemiology, mathematics, or computer science
• Minimum work experience: 1 year
• Proficiency in R and/or Python
• Experience in management, analysis, and interpretation of large and complex scientific data sets
• Knowledge of or ability to learn both biology and statistical skills for projects relating to translational genetic research
• Ability to translate genetic or medical research questions into scientific hypotheses and statistically test those hypotheses
• Ability to detect problems in data or analytic results and contribute to finding appropriate remedies
• Excellent communication skills. Ability to convey analysis results to GAC staff and clinical collaborators
• Excellent writing skills. Ability to write clearly and assist in preparing results for publication
DESIRED:
• Ph.D. in biostatistics or statistics with specific experience in statistical genetics
• 2 years of experience statistical data analysis
• Publications in statistical genetics and/or bioinformatics
• Advanced skills with R and/or Python
• Experience working in Linux/Unix systems
• Experience with cloud computing (AWS, GCP)
• Experience working with other statistical genetics software
• Familiarity with reproducible research principles and tools (e.g. git, R Markdown).
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter, and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.