Research Scientist, Bioinformatics & Computational Genomics

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and support computational pipelines for genomic data processing and analysis.

• Perform sequence analysis, read processing, and variant discovery from next-generation sequencing datasets.

• Generate high-quality variant datasets, including VCF files, for downstream research and breeding applications.

• Perform genome assembly analyses (including scaffold-level assembly where applicable) and compare assemblies and genomic regions across multiple reference genomes.

• Identify SNPs and other sequence variants relevant to research and breeding objectives.

• A​bility to design primers informed by comparative genomic analysis across multiple reference genomes.

• Support difficult marker-related problems by providing sequence-based analysis and computational interpretation.

• Retrieve, organize, and analyze genomic and associated metadata from relational databases, including SQL-based systems.

• Write scripts and automated workflows in Python, R, bash, or similar languages to streamline analysis and reporting.

• Document methods, results, and workflows clearly and reproducibly, and present findings to internal teams.

• Work independently on assigned analyses while coordinating with the manager and relevant collaborators as needed.

• Support projects across multiple crops, with the ability to perform analysis across species.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Genetics, Plant Biology, or a closely related field.

• Strong computational genomics background with hands-on experience in several of the following areas:

• • variant calling

• • genome assembly

• • pipeline development

• • primer design

• Strong programming skills, with the ability to independently develop and troubleshoot scripts and workflows in a Linux environment.

• Proficiency in Python and at least one additional analysis language or environment such as R or bash.

• Experience working in Linux-based computational environments.

• Experience handling large-scale genomics datasets.

• Experience generating, processing, and interpreting sequence-based outputs such as assemblies, alignments, and VCF files.

• Experience comparing genomic data across multiple references, assemblies, or sequence datasets.

• Working knowledge of molecular biology sufficient to support marker and primer design decisions, even if the role is not bench-based.

• Familiarity with relational databases and the ability to retrieve and manipulate data using SQL.

• Strong organizational skills, scientific judgment, and the ability to manage multiple tasks with limited supervision.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to document analyses clearly.

• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Advanta does not offer employment sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in plant genomics, crop genetics, or computational support of breeding programs.

• Experience analyzing data from multiple crop species or transferring analysis strategies across species.

• Experience with comparative genomics across diverse germplasm or multiple reference genomes.

• Experience building reproducible workflows for routine genomic analysis.

• Experience supporting molecular marker development through computational sequence analysis.

• Ability to grow into an increasingly independent role and take ownership of technically demanding analyses.