POSITION OBJECTIVE
The objective of the position is to provide metagenomic sequence processing, statistical design and analysis, data management, high-quality visualization, and software and website development support to data-enhanced and omics-driven biomedical research. The analyst will play a leadership role in all aspects of data analyses, data management and report generation for these research projects. The analyst will be integrally involved in all aspects of research project design, computational implementation, preparation of research reports and grant applications. This position functions under minimal supervision.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
-
Metagenomic sequence processing: Execute metagenomic data processing workflows using established bioinformatics pipelines. This includes running standard tools for quality control, taxonomic and functional profiling, and downstream analysis following documented procedures. The individual will routinely submit and manage batch jobs on high-performance computing (HPC) systems, monitor job status, troubleshoot errors, and ensure efficient pipeline execution. The role also involves organizing output files, maintaining reproducible workflows, and communicating results to the research team. (15%)
-
Data Analysis: Perform statistical programming and analysis for multiple research studies. Create analytic datasets, summarizes data and creates reports. Work with other team members to develop and implement analytic approaches including but not limited to dimension reduction, multiple linear regression, testing procedures, clustering methods, and so on. Assess appropriateness of final statistical models. Document methods and results via written memoranda and reports. (20%)
-
Data Management: Design, develop, and maintain appropriate databases, such as microbiome data across body sites. Develop programs to ensure data integrity (e.g., logic and range checks). Perform intermediate statistical programming for quality assurance. Develop efficient data archival systems for use and maintains detailed written documentation of all data programming and data archival systems. (10%)
-
High-quality visualization: Create a wide range of graphical outputs; such as taxonomic summaries, heatmaps, ordination plots, pathway diagrams, and interactive visual dashboards, using tools like R (ggplot2), Python (matplotlib, seaborn), or web-based platforms. The individual will translate complex analytical results into intuitive visual formats for manuscripts, presentations, lab meetings, and collaborator reports. Ensuring visual consistency, scientific accuracy, and adherence to data-visualization best practices is essential. (15%)
-
Software and website development: Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in languages such as R and Python; implementing modular functions and reproducible analytical workflows; and managing version control using Git. The individual will translate research needs into functional software packages, optimize computational performance, and ensure reliability across computing environments. In addition, the role involves creating and maintaining lightweight websites or interactive dashboards; using HTML/CSS, JavaScript, R Shiny, or similar frameworks to present analytical results, support data visualization, and disseminate methods and documentation. Ensuring usability, responsiveness, and clarity in both software tools and web interfaces is essential to support the laboratory's research and collaborative projects. (20%)
-
Prepare Research Reports: Assist in the writing and preparation of research papers, including internal documentation, academic publication and research presentations at conferences and meetings. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
-
Study Design: Work with the Principal Investigator and with other investigators on the projects to develop appropriate methodologies for addressing study hypotheses. Participate in the research design phase of projects and in the preparation of research proposals for funding. This work will be comprehensive and will include developing approaches for data management, assuring the integrity of the data, and methods for implementing data analysis. (5%)
-
Development of Educational Opportunities: Work with other personnel to develop workshops and written materials to assist graduate students to learn about methodological and programming issues involved in working with population-based data, with emphasis on data management and reporting. (5%)
-
Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Frequent interactions (50%) with the principal investigator to provide status of ongoing projects and summary of completed tasks. Occasional interactions (10%) with members of the department to help with data analysis support. Contact with administrative staff as needed
University: Regular contact (40%) with collaborators in other university departments and centers. Occasional contact (10%) with the CWRU [U]Tech for computing support. Occasional contact with Research Administration, IRB, and Sponsored Projects Accounting.
External: Regular contact (40%) with researchers outside of CWRU to discuss and review experimental
results.
Student: Occasional interactions (10%) with undergraduate/graduate students working in the lab or in the lab of collaborators.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
NA
QUALIFICAITONS
Experience: 3 years of work experience in an increasingly responsible position in biomedical research or social science research environment housed in a university, nonprofit research organization or similar setting.
Education/licensing: A Master's degree in computer science, computational biology, biotechnology, biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, statistics, or related degree is required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
-
Close familiarity and ability to work with genomics, radiomics data and other biomedical data
-
Ability to work semi-independently with direct but limited guidance
-
Highly organized, with decision-making skills
-
Ability to work and communicate knowledgably in collaboration with other team members including statisticians, investigators, clinicians, and programmers
-
Strong oral and written communication skills, adaptability, and the capacity to work with team members from varied cultural and professional backgrounds.
-
Desirable skills include background/understanding of medical terminology, and clinical/translational research
-
Hands-on experience in LotusNotes, Web databases or related collaborative task management apps
-
Ability to use Microsoft office products such as Word, Power Point, Excel and Access
-
Ability to use OverLeaf, GitHub, BioRender, Adobe Illustrator
-
Ability to use software packages and websites, such as R, Python, R Quarto, GitHub, Bioconductor, and R CRAN
-
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
-
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
-
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
-
Willingness to learn and utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI).
WORKING CONDITIONS
Employee will be expected to obtain and maintain certification of training in human subjects research through an online course and exam and other seminars. The position may require occasional work with investigators at the Cleveland Clinic and/or MetroHealth Medical Center, and might require occasional travel to either of these locations. No travel outside the Cleveland area is anticipated.
