General Summary of Position:

The Palacios group at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is seeking a Research Analyst to focus data analysis for studies of the gut microbiome in relation to neurological disease in human epidemiological cohorts.

Our research group aims to study, understand and discover risk factors for neurological disease, using traditional epidemiological and novel omics methods. We focus on Parkinson’s Disease, cognitive decline/Alzheimer’s disease and Depression and are particularly interested in the role of gut-brain axis, emphasizing studies of the gut microbiome in these conditions. We maintain close collaborations with top local universities, including Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, Tufts University and the UMass Medical School and the department of Veteran’s Affairs.

The Research Analyst will analyze microbial shotgun metagenomics data from several ongoing federally an state funded projects focused on the role of the gut microbiome in neurological outcomes, including Parkinson’s disease, cognitive decline and depression in human cohort and cases-control studies. The Research Analyst will also have the opportunity to be involved in studies of metabolomics in relation to neurological outcomes.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

1. Data Analysis

• Analysis of metagenomics data from studies of human gut microbiome and Parkinson’s disease (metagenomics).
• Analysis of untargeted metabolomics data

• Writing/assisting in writing of manuscripts and preparing presentations based on the results of data analysis..
• Ensuring all project-related activities are conducted on time and to the highest standard.

2. Assist with and writing of publications, presentations, grants and reports.

• Assist with and write grant proposals, conference presentations and papers to be submitted for publication.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

Education:

• MS, Degree in computer science, bioinformatics, quantitative biology, biostatistics or related field by the time of the appointment. Candidates with doctoral degree in above fields will be considered and given/expected to devote more effort to publication and development of independent research.

Skills:

• Experience with microbiome metagenomics data analysis or strong desire to learn required.
• Experience proficiency with Linux/Unix command line and research environments.
• Working knowledge of R.
• Basic familiarity with scientific software management and cloud computing environments.
• Excellence in research, communication and collaboration skills, as evidenced by publication record.
• Prior experience with the analysis of gut microbiome metagenomics data in the context of human epidemiological research.
• Experience with collaborative interdisciplinary research.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and writing.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only current UML Employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications are received.

This position is contingent upon funding. The initial appointment will be for one year with a possibility of renewal based on productivity and performance and the availability of funding.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.