Bioinformatics Associate III

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Bioinformatics Associate III for a CONTRACT assignment with one of our premier Pharmaceutical Services clients in South San Francisco, CA.

Responsibilities:
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Bioinformatician to join our team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in developing, implementing, and maintaining robust bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. This position requires strong expertise in either Python or R programming for data manipulation, statistical analysis, and visualization, applied to various genomics research projects. You will work closely with molecular biologists, geneticists, and computational scientists to support our ongoing research and operations efforts.

• Design, develop, test, and optimize automated bioinformatics pipelines for the processing and analysis of diverse sequencing data.
• Perform advanced statistical and computational analyses of genomics data, including variant calling, differential gene expression, pathway analysis, genomic annotation, and custom analyses tailored to research questions.
• Write efficient, well-documented, and reproducible code primarily in Python or R for data cleaning, transformation, integration, and visualization.
• Evaluate, implement, and adapt existing bioinformatics tools and algorithms, as well as contribute to the development of novel methods.
• Work collaboratively with wet-lab scientists to understand experimental designs, troubleshoot data quality issues, and interpret biological findings.
• Identify and resolve technical issues within pipelines and analyses, optimize computational efficiency, and ensure data integrity.
• Generate comprehensive reports, visualizations, and presentations of analytical results for scientific colleagues and stakeholders.
• Clearly communicate complex bioinformatics concepts to non-specialists.
• Keep abreast of the latest advancements in bioinformatics tools, algorithms, and genomic technologies.

Required Skills:

• Training in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Genetics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven strong programming skills in either Python or R is essential.
• Solid understanding of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data types, experimental design, and common bioinformatics analysis workflows.
• Experience with biological databases and public data repositories (e.g., NCBI, Ensembl, UCSC Genome Browser, TCGA, GTEx).
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a strong analytical mindset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Azure) and containerization (e.g., Docker, Singularity).
• Proficiency with workflow management systems (e.g., Snakemake, Nextflow, Cromwell/WDL).
• Experience with statistical modeling and machine learning techniques applied to biological data.
• Knowledge of specific sequencing applications relevant to our research (e.g., single-cell genomics, long-read sequencing, epigenomics).
• Experience working in a Linux/Unix environment.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) clusters.

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at .

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.

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