Senior Bioinformatics Research Scientist

The St. Jude Bluesky Tracking the Immune Repertoire of Tumor Lymphocytes (TIRTL) is seeking a Senior Bioinformatics Research scientist with experience in High Throughput Sequencing data analysis. Experience in immune repertoire data analysis is preferred, but not required.

The aim of the TIRTL initiative is to establish a research lab responsible for a) sample selection and study design, b) experimental protocols for data generation, and c) data analysis specifically for lymphocyte TCR and BCR repertoire sequencing. In parallel to the clinical genomics pipeline, we will use excess primary tumor samples to perform targeted sequencing of tumor-associated B cell, alpha-beta T cell, and gamma-delta T cell repertoires. Using a combination of bioinformatic and computational approaches, we will integrate these data with the mutation profiles of the tumors. The objectives of the analysis include: 1) Correlation of antigen receptor features with tumor mutations; 2) identification of anti-tumor specific responses; 3) identification of tumorigenic cell specificities that promote tumor development and growth; and 4) identification of correlates of therapeutic efficacy or failure. In addition to these core objectives, we will extend the pipeline to include analysis of valuable and clinically relevant sample sets such as HCT patients experiencing GVH, and aplastic anemia subjects. These objectives align with multiple elements of our strategic plan, including developing immunotherapy programs and expanding data science initiatives.

In this position, you will develop novel computational tools to analyze TCR/BCR repertoire sequencing data & identify tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with therapeutic potential. We are looking for a candidate experienced in High Throughput Sequencing data analysis and custom software development. You will also participate in programming robots to automate lab operations

Job responsibilities:

• Provide research support and deliver high-quality results by formulating an efficient analytical approach with the available data.
• Deliver data files, and document the analytical process. May participate in manuscript preparation at project's conclusion.
• Assist with establishing and documenting protocols or best practices for common research tasks, and in the formulation of analytical plans that use the best approach to address challenging data analysis questions.
• Assist in the evaluation and testing of new methods and technologies.
• Contribute ideas to automate or improve existing analysis methods. Implement the improvement or work with others to do so.
• Participate in the department's developmental projects and interdepartmental team projects.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor's degree in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, statistics/computer science (with a background in biological sciences or chemistry) or related field.
• Master's degree or PhD preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of relevant post-degree work in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, statistics/computer science (with a background in biological sciences or chemistry).
• Experience Exception: Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant post-degree experience (OR) PhD with 2+ years of relevant post-degree experience.
• Significant experience in at least one programming or scripting language and at least one statistical package, with R preferred.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world-regardless of race, religion or a family's ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.

Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital's roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.