Less than 2% of the human genome sequence is protein
coding, have you ever wondered what is the role of the remaining 98% of the
genome? Stanford University Department of Genetics has an excellent opportunity
for an entry-level assistant biocuration scientist to play a role in the ENCODE
project, advancing our understanding of the human genome and determining how
genetics influences the development and progression of diseases. The ENCODE project
is funded by National Institute of Health and is building a catalog of all the
functional elements in the human genome sequence, subsequently making it
available to scientists worldwide for the study of human health and disease.
Assistant
biocuration scientist duties will include:
Collection
and integration of scientific data on the biology of model organisms and
humans for inclusion into online database resources.
Metadata
curation guided by internal reports generated by various validation and
error detection processes.
Troubleshooting
and diagnosis of issues in the quality assurance environment, with
subsequent communication of that knowledge to a varied audience of technical
and non-technical stakeholders.
Resource
documentation editing and maintenance, including educational material for
the resources’ users.
Execution
and monitoring of analysis pipelines.
The desired candidate needs to have an education
(Bachelor’s degree) in one or more of the following disciplines: molecular
biology, cellular biology, immunology and genetics. Excellent communication and
organizational skills, with a strong attention to details are required.
Previous experience working in an academic environment
is a plus.
Experience with scripting languages is a plus.
Compliance with and support of University and
government health & safety regulations & policies is required.
Duties include:
Collect, analyze and interpret
information from peer-reviewed scientific journals and/or through direct
submissions by applying specific scientific content knowledge. Abstract
data into the required format, and verify for accuracy.
Review complex, scientific
submissions to the database for quality and relevancy; abstract
information in the required formats. Review, research and resolve quality
control reports findings.
Conduct independent research of
scientific literature and other available research to add content to the
database and identify upcoming research opportunities.
Develop documentation regarding
effective use of the database for user community, typically professors,
students and citizen scientists.
Research and ensure resolution
of user inquiries such as content and web site issues.
Test new functionality with
software to determine issues. Escalate and follow up on identified issues.
Maintain quality control and
integrity of databases and query tools for data mining as part of a
collaborative team based on technical content expertise in a scientific
field, such as molecular biology or chemistry.
Contribute to the preparation
of reports and publications regarding research progress by researching
data/statistics and investigating errors or changes of data are accurate.
Create and participate in presentations
and demonstrations of the database at conferences or other institutions.
* - Other duties may also be assigned
DESIRED
QUALIFICATIONS:
UNIX experience
Scripting experience
EDUCATION
& EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor’s degree in scientific field and one year of
related experience, or combination of relevant experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
Solid analytical skills.
Strong written and oral English
communication skills.
Computer skills, including word
processing and spreadsheet applications.
Ability to understand scientific literature,
experimental procedures and their limitations, and current needs of the
research community.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
Frequently perform desk based
computer tasks, seated work and use light/ fine grasping.
Occasionally
stand, walk, and write by hand, lift, carry, push pull objects that weigh
up to 10 pounds.
* -
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide
reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation
to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORKING
CONDITIONS:
May
work extended or non-standard hours based on project or business needs.
Occasional local travel may be required.
Some
work may be performed in a laboratory setting.
WORK STANDARDS:
Interpersonal
Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and
clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates
commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety
concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons
learned.
Subject to and expected to comply
with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not
limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's
Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
