Description

Job Description

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Institute for Genome Sciences (IGS) is recruiting for a Contractual Bioinformatics Software Engineer I.

*** This is a Full-Time, Contractual Position. ***

IGS employs multiple omics and bioinformatics approaches to understand function in health and disease, to study molecular and cellular networks in a variety of model systems, and to generate data and bioinformatics resources of value to the international scientific community. The Informatics Resource Center (IRC) at IGS includes faculty and staff with expertise in genomics and transcriptomics in a diverse set of species, microbiome analysis, evolutionary analysis, tool development, visualization platforms, databases, data coordination, and web development. Maryland Genomics (MDG) is a high-throughput laboratory and data analysis group supporting the scientific programs of IGS and its collaborators, both across the University of Maryland Baltimore campus and across the globe. Using multiple sequencing and analysis platforms, MDG generates high-quality genomic data in a cost-effective manner. Together the IRC and MDG support research across a spectrum of biological areas both on the University of Maryland Baltimore campus and around the world.

The selected applicant will work in the IRC under the supervision of senior engineers to develop and maintain software that drives, interacts with, or extracts data from complex engineered systems. BSEs work to contribute to projects intended to develop software or design databases to accomplish specific scientific or analytical objectives. They will develop tools, protocols, or structured methods for organizing or presenting data from analytical or experimental systems.

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Benefits: Contingent Category II

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. Contingent Category II staff receive a generous leave package that includes over 2 weeks of vacation each year, paid holidays, sick time, and time for community service; subsidized comprehensive health insurance and supplemental retirement options; professional learning and development programs; limited tuition remission for employees enrolled at UMB; life insurance and long-term disability; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Primary Duties:

• Under the supervision of senior engineers develop and maintain software that drives, interacts with, or extracts data from complex engineered systems, such as genomic sequencing systems. Contribute to projects intended to develop software or design database to accomplish specific scientific or analytical objective. Develop tools, protocols, or structured methods for organizing or presenting data from analytical or diagnostic systems.
• Maintain software based on the requirements specified by senior engineers and scientists.
• Under the supervision of senior engineers, maintain analysis pipelines using the tools and systems available at the Institute of Genome Science (IGS). This will include installing software and writing wrapper scripts to invoke the software to process data.
• Manage omics data generated and maintained at IGS including loading and querying data from database systems, writing scripts to transform the data to necessary formats, and downloading and transforming data maintained in public data repositories.
• Ensures basic quality assurance of data and software generated by IGS.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Systems Administration, Computer Engineering, or a related field. Bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics or Computer Science preferred.

Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to use and develop software in a UNIX/Linux operating environment.
• Familiarity with UNIX/Linux environment and common tools such as bash, grep, awk and sed.
• Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language such as C/C++, Java, Rust, or Python.
• Familiarity with relational database management systems and SQL with systems such as MySQL, Postgres, or another RDBMS.
• Ability to create web-based interfaces using technologies such as HTML, CSS, Angular, Vue, Ajax, Django, or Flask.
• Proficiency in AI/ML tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or LLM-based APIs.
• Knowledge of pertinent biological or computer science research disciplines.
• Knowledge of variety of systems methods for storing, analyzing, and presenting large data sets.
• Knowledge of automated unit and system test frameworks and strategies.
• Good analytical, interpersonal, and communications skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent organization and time management skills to meet project goals and schedules.
• Ability to use office automation tools such as word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Hiring Range: $73,000 - $80,000, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.