Research Data Scientist - Molecular and Precision Medicine / Medicine
At a glance
Mid-level Data Science role at Penn State. College of Medicine · full-time · $65,508–$94,980 base.
dataroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build computational and statistical approaches for complex biological data, including multi-omics studies
- Combine genomics, transcriptomics, single-cell and proteomics data to help explain biological mechanisms
- Create reproducible Python workflows, analytical pipelines and software for emerging research questions
- Work with faculty on study design, then visualize and interpret findings for papers, grants and presentations
- Guide trainees and junior investigators in data analysis practices and maintain clear, reproducible records
What you bring
- A PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology or another listed discipline
- At least one year of relevant experience, or an accepted equivalent mix of education and experience
- Strong Python skills and experience working with high-dimensional biological or omics data
- Experience with single-cell analysis tools such as Scanpy and combining multiple omics data types
Who this fits
This role suits a PhD-trained researcher who can contribute computationally across biomedical research teams and support junior colleagues. The position is funded for six months, with continuation dependent on university need, performance or funding. Applicants must already be authorized to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor employment visas. Remote or hybrid arrangements require approval.
From the employer
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This position is funded for 6 months; continuation past 6 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Position Summary
The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine and Department of Medicine, seek a PhD-trained Senior Bioinformatician / Research Data Scientist to support an expanding portfolio of translational and precision health research programs. The successful candidate will develop, implement, and evaluate advanced computational and statistical approaches to analyze high-dimensional biological data, including multi-omics datasets. This role will collaborate closely with faculty investigators across disciplines—including aging biology, infectious diseases, cancer biology, and mucosal immunology—to integrate genomics, transcriptomics (including single-cell), proteomics, and related datasets into mechanistic and translational insights.
The Senior Bioinformatician will serve as a key computational partner across multiple projects, contributing to study design, data analysis, visualization, and interpretation while helping to build sustainable computational infrastructure within the department.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, select, and apply advanced computational and statistical methods to analyze complex biological datasets
- Perform integrative multi-omics analyses (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, single-cell RNA-seq, proteomics, epigenomics)
- Utilize and implement tools such as Scanpy and other single-cell analysis frameworks
- Develop and maintain reproducible workflows in Python and related programming environments
- Collaborate with faculty to design computational strategies aligned with research aims
- Develop novel algorithms, software tools, and analytical pipelines to address emerging research questions
- Generate high-quality visualizations and analytical summaries for manuscripts, grant applications, and presentations
- Contribute to interpretation of results and development of new hypotheses
- Support training of trainees and junior investigators in data analysis best practices
- Ensure data management, documentation, and reproducibility standards are maintained
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or related field
- Demonstrated experience analyzing high-dimensional biological or omics datasets
- Strong programming skills in Python (required) and familiarity with data science frameworks
- Experience with single-cell data analysis tools (e.g., Scanpy or similar platforms)
- Experience integrating multi-omics datasets
- Ability to work collaboratively across interdisciplinary research teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Background in biology, immunology, cancer biology, infectious diseases, aging, or related biomedical fields
- Experience working in an academic medical center environment
- Familiarity with high-performance computing environments and cloud-based analysis
- Track record of contribution to peer-reviewed publications
Impact of the Role
This position will serve as the senior bioinformatics lead across multiple translational research initiatives, enabling integration of large-scale datasets into biologically meaningful discoveries. The role is central to advancing precision health initiatives and strengthening the department’s computational research capacity.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $94,980.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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