UCI MIND: Junior/Assistant Specialist - Bioinformatics and Data Integration (UCI MIND, MODEL-AD Program)

The UCI Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) is seeking a motivated Junior/Assistant Specialist to join the NIH-funded MODEL-AD multi-project research program. This role will support large-scale multi-omics, systems biology, and animal model research efforts by managing and integrating diverse datasets across interdisciplinary teams.

We are seeking applicants with backgrounds in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, or related fields who have experience in database management, data integration, or large-scale data workflows. While expertise in mouse genetics and genomics is highly valued, applicants with strong skills in data science and a willingness to learn domain-specific biology are also encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in integrating metadata from animal models, curating and harmonizing genomic and multi-omic datasets, and ensuring data quality and accessibility across the MODEL-AD consortium. They will also contribute to data sharing and reproducible research through the Synapse repository.

Key Responsibilities

Metadata Integration & Harmonization:

* Extract, transform, and standardize metadata across MODEL-AD projects.

* Develop scripts and workflows for harmonizing diverse datasets.

Database Management & Data Infrastructure:

* Design, maintain, and optimize relational databases (PostgreSQL or equivalent).

* Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and accessibility for research teams.

* Contribute to performance tuning, indexing, and query optimization.

Data Sharing & Repository Management:

* Curate, prepare, and upload datasets to the Synapse repository.

* Maintain documentation, version control, and compliance with FAIR data-sharing practices.

Collaboration & Support:

* Work closely with bioinformatics, computational, and biological research teams.

* Provide technical support for data workflows and database operations.

* Help establish SOPs and best practices for data management and integration.

Junior Specialist: Appointees to the Junior rank should possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or equivalent research experience, e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment, software

programs, social science research methods, humanities scholarship, or creative activities.

Assistant Specialist: Appointees to the Assistant rank should possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization.

Bachelor's or Master's degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, or related field.

* Proficiency in Python, R, or similar programming languages.

* Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, or similar).

* Familiarity with multi-omics datasets, large-scale data analysis, or genomics research preferred.

* Strong problem-solving skills, communication, and ability to work in collaborative teams.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• 
  APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
  
  

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.