Bioinformatician

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Job Description: Health Informatics Specialist III

Brief Job Description:

Under the minimal supervision of the Public Health Informatics Director, serves as a bioinformatics subject matter expert. Develops and maintains laboratory bioinformatics infrastructure and pipelines for newborn screening and microbiology sequencing data management. Builds and supports analytic methods and strategies to integrate the workflow, pipelines, and analysis of sequencing data from sequence production to variant calling and interpretation. Performs statistical or other bioinformatics-based analysis to generate quality control and data output reports, visualizations, and publication-quality graphics where appropriate. Provides consultation and technical advice and training on bioinformatics. Maintains and improves overall customer satisfaction of program partners through effective communication and collaboration. Oversees and coordinates bioinformatics activities and projects for the Laboratory. Coordinates the development of short-term and long-term goals and objectives. Oversees implementation of new technologies and solutions. Works cooperatively and meets regularly with Newborn Screening and Microbiological Sciences Group Managers to plan and ensure integrated and cohesive Laboratory operations. Duties are performed with extensive latitude for use of professional knowledge, initiative, and independent judgment.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

EJF1. (45%)  Develops and maintains bioinformatics infrastructure and pipeline for sequencing data management. Works closely with the Newborn Screening DNA Analysis and Advanced Molecular Microbiology Groups for genomic sequence data analysis to identify and interpret variants associated with microorganisms as well as disorders in newborns. Develops and implements bioinformatics tools, reference databases, and standardized pipelines and architecture. Performs quality control, assembly, annotation and analysis of genome sequences with version control. Develops standard operating procedures for bioinformatics analyses. Manages genome sequence files and databases, including uploads to CDC or other similar sequence data banks. Identifies, develops, and implements effective techniques and monitors to customize, monitor, and troubleshoot bioinformatics workflows, scripts, and data in order to ensure the highest quality of laboratory services. Troubleshoots, identifies areas of deficiencies and quality issues, and determines solutions.

EJF2. (20%)  Performs and assists with customer services activities. Effectively communicates with management and staff at all levels in the Laboratory. Consults with customers to determine their needs and resolve concerns. Provides technical advice, training, educational materials, information, and associated data on bioinformatics. Interacts with Clinical Care Coordination, consulting physicians and epidemiologists to review and optimize the performance of bioinformatics for clinical and surveillance purposes. Develops and maintains positive working relationships. Investigates all complaints and documents all problems and the follow-up actions taken. Collects, compiles, and creates written reports and visualizations of requested information and clinical or surveillance data. Presents scientific-based data at local and national meetings. Performs data review, computational and statistical analyses, and preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication to report progress and findings. Ensures activities and assignments are completed in a timely manner.

EJF3. (15%) Oversees and coordinates bioinformatics activities and projects for the Laboratory. Plans, tracks tasks, ensuring milestones are completed within established timeframe, and reports progress and outcome measures to Unit manager and as requested to department management and committees. Consults with internal and external partners on bioinformatics and genomic project planning and management. Collaborates with colleagues from other public health laboratories and institutions for shared resources, ideas, and workflows.

EJF4. (15%)  Develops goals and manages resources.  Maintains knowledge of emerging bioinformatics tools and technologies for identification of newborn screening disorders and microorganisms through study of publications and attendance at scientific meeting and provides updates and recommends improvements to Unit manager as needed. Participates in strategic planning activities to attain short-term and long-term goals and objectives in bioinformatics. Assures cost effective infrastructure and improves and optimizes data analysis workflow by overseeing and facilitating development and implementation of new tools, processes, techniques, and policies. Determines specifications and ensures purchases, delivery, and inventory for adequate equipment and peripherals are made to meet needs. Ensures that software adheres to appropriate agency and regulatory compliance requirements.

EJF 5. (5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Assures that contingency plans for testing are adequate. Consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:N/A

Kowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge and understanding of the roles of public health labs.
Knowledge of molecular genetic testing.
Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and lab data.
Knowledge and skill in use of email, word processing, project management, visualization, spreadsheet and database programs such as MS Office, MS Access, MS Project, Tableau, PowerBI, and D3.
Knowledge of computational and statistical analysis and methods.
Knowledge of bioinformatics tools and ability to integrate those into robust analysis pipelines and software applications.
Knowledge of strategies for achieving effective sequencing data acquisition, management, quality, storage, use, and application to address program needs.
Skill in effective customer service practices.
Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes.
Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in time management and planning.
Skill in informatics project management and using statistical and mathematical tools such as R/MATLAB.
Skill in programming languages such as Python/Java/JavaScript/C++.
Ability to work in UNIX/Linux and high performance computing environments.
Ability to utilize computer programs for lab data analysis including trend analysis.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, analyze research data, and devise solutions to problems.
Ability to prepare scientific manuscripts and reports and publish findings.
Ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences.
Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks, prioritize heavy workloads and meet deadlines.
Ability to establish goals and objectives.
Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with managers, co-workers, and partners, facilitate meetings and projects and work effectively with teams.
Ability to adapt to a changing work environment.
Ability to visually distinguish color differences as required for testing procedures.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate in bioinformatics, biostatistics, computational biology, public health informatics, health informatics, health information management, or other related scientific field from an accredited institution. If degree is not in a scientific field, three years of experience in health informatics and bioinformatics may serve as a substitute.
Professional experience in health informatics implementation. A masters or doctoral degree in public health informatics, health informatics, health information management, or related degree may substitute for experience.
Experience performing molecular testing for human disease, preferred but not required.
Experience in newborn screening, preferred but not required.

Additional Information:

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form