Position Information:

Position Title:

Diagnostic Associate II

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience

Special Required Qualifications

Must have accurate color recognition

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates should have a MS or PhD in a relevant subject (e.g. Computational Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Bioinformatics, Epidemiology or related discipline, computer science), and experience in analyzing microbial sequencing data.
Experience in bacterial genomic epidemiology and/or metagenomics studies will be preferred. Candidates should also possess a proven record in scientific writing, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

Job Description:

Summary

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University is accepting applications for a Diagnostic Associate to NGS/WGS Section of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL). The VDL is engaged daily in missions of service, instruction, and research. They provide comprehensive and cutting edge diagnostic services. Daily case work processed by the VDL includes more than 80,000 field cases per year submitted by veterinarians and animal owners from Iowa and throughout the United States, as well as research samples from both the University and private sectors.

This position will work with a great team of bioinformatics analysts with unique skills to provide bioinformatics support to develop the next generation of diagnostic tools that collectively aim to enhance and create new applications and knowledge that serve to mitigate and/or better control bacterial and viral diseases in food animals. The key responsibilities will include providing expertise and bioinformatics support to analyze multidimensional data generated by genomic technologies, implementing various analyses and reporting tools, and reporting results of analyses for project reports, presentations, and peer review publications.

Responsibilities also include providing direct supervision and management of next-generation sequencing laboratory.

The successful candidate will analyze metagenomics data, bacterial, and viral whole genome sequencing data, using various bioinformatics approaches to address key questions in the field. Development of related bioinformatics analysis tools is also part of the project. The post holder will occasionally present research findings at project meetings, scientific conferences, and outreach/training events.

Example of Duties

• Proficiency with programming in environments such as Linux, Bioconductor R, Perl, and/or Python; experience in high performance computing (SLURM job scheduler) if possible

• The NGS team of bioinformaticians will be available to train on relevant technologies.

• Proficiency with quantitative microbial genomics analysis

• Ability to devise custom approaches for analyzing large genomic data sets generated by high throughput sequencing technologies (Illumina, PacBio, Nanopore)

• Ability to assist in writing, figure generation, and publication of manuscript

• Ability to assist in management of technical and scientific operations of a genomics research group to achieve project goals

• Ability to work with others and communicate effectively (oral and written) in a group, team-oriented working environment

• Possess problem solving skills, proactive and a desire for continual learning

• Possess excellent organizational and documentation skills

Level Guidelines
• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

March 1, 2025

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS807

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program• This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.

Original Posting Date:

February 8, 2023

Posting Close Date:

March 21, 2023

Job Requisition Number:

R11001

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