Job no: 518929
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Research/Scientific/Grants
Department:29180300 - MD-NEUROLOGY-MOVEMENT DISORDER

Classification Title:

Biological Scientist IV

Job Description:

The University of Florida’s College of Medicine’s Department of Neurology is seeking a Senior Molecular Geneticist (Biological Scientist IV) for the Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Neuroscience, which is physically based at the McKnight Brain Institute and in the UF Health Pathology Molecular Genetic Laboratory. The position will be part of a team with Professor Matt Farrer (Principal Investigator), Dr. Shannon Corrigan who runs wet lab Molecular Genetic operations, and Jonathan Bravo who oversees Bioinformatics. Applicants must have an aptitude for population and pedigree-based molecular genetics and have advanced experience with high-throughput sequencing, genotyping and Sanger sequencing. Applicants should also be familiar with bioinformatic methods for genome alignment, annotation and genetic variant analysis, although training opportunities will be offered.

Currently funded, IRB-approved, human research focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of neurologic and neurodegenerative disorders, and includes whole genome sequencing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia and Parkinson’s syndromes. Professor Farrer’s team has previously authored articles for American Journal of Human Genetics, Nature Genetics, Science and specialty neurology journals, and their work has been featured in televised documentaries and public radio. We are looking for a candidate to contribute and share in that success, to help predict and prevent neurologic disorders, by applying molecular genetic methods.

The University of Florida is a top-tier research university with $900 million of annual research funding. The latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report recognizes UF among the nation's top five public universities and 28/392 in universities in the US overall. UF Health is the Southeast’s most comprehensive academic health center, unique for our diverse constellation of health Colleges, Institutes and Centers, and our hospitals, faculty practices and patient care programs. Founded in 1853, the main campus is located in Gainesville, an affordable but vibrant city, that serves as the educational hub and commercial center for North Central Florida. Gainesville is centrally located within 90 minutes of either coast and is near other major cities including Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa. With mild winters and warm summers, the region is known for its nature parks and prairies, sparse pine forest and pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

Essential responsibilities to include:

Illumina high-throughput genome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, and Agena Massarray genotyping. Oversee most of the routine bioinformatics and summary analyses. Largely be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day activities of the clinical genomics staff in the lab. Liaise closely with licensed molecular genetic staff in UF Health Pathology in the same unit. The position is to maximize productivity of all staff and equipment, and minimize costs related to genetic sequencing and data analysis for genetic testing in clinical genomics.

Develop and implement clinical molecular diagnostic testing procedures and tests for clinical trial for UF Health. Core activities include novel test design, development and documentation from Illumina high-throughput sequencing, ABI 3500 genetic analyses (Sanger sequencing, fragment size analyses and genotyping), Agena MASSarray SNP/CNV genotyping and real time qPCR as well as familiarity with the operation and maintenance of all related specialized genomic laboratory equipment. Closely work with Dr. Farrer, a genetic counselor, clinical coordinators, bioinformaticians, and molecular technicians.

Perform laboratory work and related genetic analyses required to for IRB-approved research projects in brain health and neurologic disease and pediatric medicine. The tasks and scope are similar to the work performed for clinical service, but the aims are longer terms and project-based. The studies require scientific/intellectual effort and future planning. The incumbent is expected to train visiting staff and help mentor junior staff including graduate students involved in research.

Design and maintain laboratory safety programs and protocols. Train lab personnel in all laboratory safety techniques, standard laboratory practice, genomic protocols and procedures including HIPAA compliance and relevant security/safety issues. Ensure all procedures and documents are maintained as required as part of good laboratory practice, including quality control and quality assurance.

Stay informed of current research findings, changes/enhancements in research studies and standards, technological advances, instrumentation, and software by reading scientific literature pertinent to the research area, conferring with vendors and attending professional conferences at which they may represent the university in a technical capacity. Evaluate/recommend new supplies, technologies, and equipment to work with Dr. Farrer and senior lab staff on improvement and innovation to current best practices, whether for clinical service or research.

Miscellaneous duties will be conducted as necessary to complete previously described functions including attendance at lab meetings, written and oral clinical and research communications, collaboration and consultation with team members, researchers and other professionals within and external to UF Health to analyze and define problems, strategize and recommend optimized solutions.

Expected Salary:

$60,000 to $70,000

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field and thirteen years of relevant experience; Master’s degree in biology or a closely related field and eleven years of relevant experience; Doctoral degree in biology or a closely related field and eight years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

The preferred candidate will have a degree in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, or a related field and experience with genetic and/or molecular biology techniques in a research or clinical laboratory.

Seeking candidates with the following skills:

• Excellent theoretical and applied practical knowledge of human genetics, genomics and molecular biology is required to perform DNA and RNA extractions, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time quantitative PCR, genomic library preparation and quality control, Sanger and high-throughput sequencing data collection and associated analyses.
• Extensive experience planning and accomplishing goals on complex genomic projects. They will demonstrate expertise with operating and maintaining specialized equipment in a genomic laboratory and have the ability to perform and improve upon genomic assay design, to optimize and troubleshoot technical problems.
• Experience in computational bioinformatics and statistical analyses for genome data. Familiarity in working in a UNIX environment, executing command line and genomics software packages (e.g. GATK, VCFtools, PLINK, R archive). Working knowledge of a computing languages is a plus (Python, R, C++). Tasks include data cleaning, quality control, error checking, visualization and reporting.
• The ability to multitask and work independently to troubleshoot problems, to collect, analyze, synthesize and present data.
• Excellent teamwork including the ability maintain close communication with the Supervisor/Director, and to help direct more junior staff by defining and prioritizing team research/project goals, coordinating and organizing teamwork, and managing time to achieve milestones and successfully complete aspects of work.
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills. Experience with grantsmanship, scientific report and manuscript preparation and publication, communication of project results among the scientific community and other professionals at scientific/professional meetings and conferences.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and list of professional references. Questions may be directed to Professor Matt Farrer at m.farrer@ufl.edu; however, applications must be submitted online.

The University of Florida is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

This is a time limited position.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This requisition has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not apply.

Health Assessment Required:Yes

Advertised: 19 Jan 2022 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 25 Jan 2022 Eastern Standard Time