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Work Shift:

Please see job description for details.

Time Type:

Full time

Department:

CC033020 Clinical Research Operations

Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist with computational expertise in bioinformatics and/or computational biology to join our multidisciplinary research team studying the microbiome and host-microbe interactions of relevance to infections occurring during childhood. The successful candidate will lead computational analyses focused on the microbiome and other high-throughput sequencing datasets (e.g., RNASeq) to support translational research focused on respiratory and other infections in children. This individual will work closely with Dr. Matthew Kelly (Section Chief, Infectious Diseases, Arkansas Children’s Hospital), a faculty member at the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute.

This role offers the opportunity to engage in innovative research at the intersection of genomics, microbial ecology, and child health, while working closely with clinical investigators, laboratory scientists, students, and external collaborators. The ideal candidate will hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field and demonstrate strong expertise in bioinformatics and/or computational biology. Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python or Perl, along with experience using shell environments (e.g., Bash) and statistical programming in R, is required. Entirely remote work arrangements (including for applicants residing outside of Arkansas) will be considered for qualified applicants, with regular communication, mentorship, and collaboration via teleconferencing. Periodic travel for scientific meetings or team retreats may be encouraged but is not required.

Current projects in our research group include:

BRAVE Kids Study: NIH R01-funded project focused on SARS-CoV-2 infections in children

Host-microbe interactions in a novel SARS-CoV-2 human challenge model: NIH R21 and American Lung Association-funded project that is performing a multi-omic analysis using previously collected samples

Microbial ecology in the human upper respiratory tract: NIH R21-funded project that is studying microbial interactions of relevance to colonization and infection by bacterial respiratory pathogens

Evaluation of a nasal probiotic candidate in an infant non-human primate model: pilot study being conducted in collaboration with the California National Primate Research Center

Whole-genome sequencing for surveillance of hospital-acquired infections

Other studies in development are focused on routes of community transmission of RSV and use of deep metagenomic sequencing to evaluate for Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage in children

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Data Analyses (90%)

Perform comprehensive analyses of microbiome sequencing data (e.g., 16S rRNA gene, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic datasets), with a focus on microbial ecology, taxonomic and functional profiling, and host-microbe interactions.

Apply and develop computational workflows for multi-omic data integration (e.g., microbiome + host transcriptome).

Collaborate closely with other members of the research team to design and complete analyses, and prepare summaries of results for publications, conference presentations, or grant applications.

Maintain and optimize reproducible pipelines using tools such as DADA2, Kraken2, HUMAnN, and relevant statistical frameworks (e.g., R, Python).

Participate in regular project meetings and provide progress updates.

Support long-term data infrastructure goals, including data organization, storage, and sharing.

Provide guidance to graduate students, undergraduate students, postdoctoral appointees, and professional staff.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

Additional Information:

Required Education:

Doctoral Degree

Recommended Education:

Required Work Experience:

Recommended Work Experience:

Required Certifications:

Recommended Certifications:

Description

1. Works independently as part of a research project/program.

2. Under the direction of the Investigator, writes detailed protocols for the conduct of research and contributes to the design, interpretation and final writing of research publications.

3. Analyzes and evaluates experimental data and interprets results within the scope of work and in relation to the general research program. Prepares written reports on phases of laboratory work involved in research projects.

4. Keeps abreast of trends in field of interest by reading current research literature, abstracting scientific articles of value in the prosecution of research problems, and attending and presenting at scientific meetings, seminars and research conferences.

5. Gathers research materials, supplies, equipment and apparatus. Coordinates service support: repair of equipment, requisitioning of supplies and research materials. Selects procedures for data collection and handling; develops or utilizes computer programs for conversions and statistical analysis of data.

6. Participates in the training of research support staff, fellows, and students. Conducts initial training as well as continuous skill development of staff/trainees in laboratory techniques and instrumentation procedures, as needed. Counsels staff/trainees on minor technical problems; may advise and assist staff/trainees with special research projects. Manages research expenditures.

7. Assists in proposal development and in facilitating new directions for the lab. Works with PI to develop plans for personnel and resources. Performs procedures to ensure experimental validity and keeps appropriate records.

8. Other duties as assigned.

Arkansas Children’s (https://www.archildrens.org/about-us) is the only hospital system in the state dedicated to caring for children, which enables us to uniquely shape the landscape of pediatric care in Arkansas.

Arkansas Children’s is driven by four core values—safety, teamwork, compassion and excellence—which inform every action.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital has received Magnet Status (https://www.archildrens.org/about-us/magnet-recognition) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), for nursing excellence and patient outcomes. And we are nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report (https://www.archildrens.org/about-us/awards-and-recognition) for Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and Urology.

For more than a century, Arkansas Children’s has met the unique needs of children. But we’re more than just a hospital treating sick kids—our services include two hospitals, a pediatric research institute, foundation, clinics, education and outreach, all with an unyielding commitment to making children better today and healthier tomorrow.

Arkansas Children’s Little Rock campus includes a 336-bed hospital with the state’s only pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center, burn center, Level 4 neonatal intensive care and pediatric intensive care, as well as a nationally-recognized transport service. And Arkansas Children’s Northwest (https://www.archildrens.org/locations/arkansas-childrens-nw) provides inpatient and emergency care, clinic rooms and diagnostic services to children in that corner of the state.

_“Arkansas Children’s is a place of hope and comfort for children and parents. When you are at children’s, you are part of an elite team united with a common goal of saving children and making their lives better.”_ Michael – Business Operations Manager

•Arkansas Children’s Hospital is a prestigious institution that cares for children.” Linda – Information Systems Analyst

•We are an organization of care, love, and hope while we champion children.” Angela – Parking and Fleet Coordinator

•Care, love, and hope for children!” Kathy – Administrative Assistant

•When I think of my time here at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, I can honestly say that it has given me a unique perspective on the human condition, and the various roles that we all have in patient care. As a supply assistant, I have a very important job ensuring that the doctors and nurses have what they need to provide the world class medical care to the Children of Arkansas and surrounding states. Being a Champion for Children is more than a catch phrase, it is a way of life!” Nick – Supply Assistant

Arkansas Children's provides equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or any other category protected by federal, state and local laws. Further, Arkansas Children's will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.