Bioinformatician, Data Analyst (Part Time)
Role summary
The Bioinformatician, Data Analyst (Part Time) position at the University of Arizona's School of Plant Sciences focuses on analyzing genomic datasets, primarily DNA sequencing data from long and short read platforms. The role involves producing genome assemblies, annotations, and characterizing genetic features of eukaryotic genomes. Key responsibilities include executing software via the command line, developing and maintaining pipelines, and performing genome assembly, annotation, and variant detection. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of eukaryotic genetics and genomics, experience with sequencing data, and strong analytical and reporting skills. This role requires interaction with diverse colleagues and collaborators.
Posting Number
req25576
Department
School of Plant Sciences-Res
Department Website Link
https://spls.arizona.edu/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
1657 E. Helen St., Tucson, AZ 85719 USA
Position Highlights
The Bioinformatician will analyze genomic datasets for the Arizona Genomics Institute's Service Center and its research programs.
The data will mostly consist of DNA sequencing data from long and short read platforms and public raw or analyzed datasets, with the goal of producing genome assemblies, annotation, and the overall characterization of genetic features of eukaryotic genomes.
The successful candidate will be proficient in executing software and commands via the command line, will have worked with long- and short-read sequencing data, and must have a deep understanding of eukaryotic genetics and genomics. Experience in developing and maintaining pipelines is also required.
The position requires to interact with colleagues, collaborators, and customers of very different backgrounds. The supervisor will provide moderate guidance in project planning and execution. A high degree of initiative, resourcefulness, dynamism, and professionalism are necessary.
Applicants with no experience in handling DNA and RNA sequencing data will not be considered.
*Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!*
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Genome assembly and quality assessment. Using PacBio HiFi, ONT, and Hi-C data to generate eukaryotic genome assemblies, including manual curation. Will use established protocols for genome assemblies and manual curation. Execute available software (e.g. Hifiasm, Verkko, Merqury) and custom-made scripts to generate highly accurate, complete, and phased assemblies.
- Genome annotation and variant detection. Execute established software (e.g. BRAKER, EDTA) to identify the main genome features (e.g. genes, repeats, transposable elements, and more), with guidance as needed. Genome alignments and comparison, variant calling, integration of other resources (e.g. transcriptome, optical maps) and similar analyses as the need may arise.
- Analyze novel and different datasets (e.g. 16S, transcriptome, resequencing) for project-specific goals (e.g. population genomics, demography, functional characterization), including the conceptualization and implementation of new methods.
- Reporting, meetings, dissemination. Summarize work in reports, tables, scientific manuscripts. Interact with colleagues and external partners to give and receive feedback. Attend meetings, take notes, contribute to writing manuscripts and research proposals.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of plant genome analysis, evolutionary analyses, population genomics.
- Extended knowledge of genome sequencing technologies and handling of the data.
- High proficiency of Unix command line, executing software, developing and running workflows.
- Familiar with high-performance computing infrastructure.
- Experienced in Nextflow/Cromwell or other pipeline tools.
- Able to critically evaluate the quality of the results and to perform novel analyses as required.
- Excellent technical writing skills, maintaining and sharing documentation, note taking, and reporting at different audiences.
- Highly developed communication skills: verbal and digital.
*This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.*
Minimum Qualifications
- Master's degree.
- Bachelor degree in genomics, (bio)informatics, or related discipline with at least one year of experience in genome assembly.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- Experience in handling DNA and RNA sequencing data.
Preferred Qualifications
FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Part Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
20
Job FTE
.50
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$65,687 - $85,393
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
9
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
PC2
Job Family
Research & Data Analysis
Job Function
Research
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
4/15/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Dario Copetti
dcopetti@cals.arizona.edu
Open Date
4/1/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.