Computational Biologist/Web Developer

The University of Pittsburgh’s Drug Discovery Institute (UPDDI) is developing and implementing a web-based Microphysiology database (MPS-Db) for the capture and analysis of data from various microphysiological organ models as part of the Tissue-Chip-Testing-Center program sponsored by NCATS.

The requirements for the database include aggregation, analysis, and management of MPS data; integration of MPS data with human and animal exposure data; and the evaluation of MPS results with respect to a reference and clinical data. The MPS-Db was designed and developed to provide user access through the Internet and to access and retrieve relevant data from other Internet databases. We will be extending the MPS-Db to support the development of microphysiological disease models under the Disease Modeling and Efficacy Testing (MPS-DMET) program, also sponsored by NCATS.

The Computational Biologist/Web Developer will work with our current Database/Web developer and be responsible for the development, deployment, and support of all the MPS-DMET software components of the MPS-Db, including schema design, user interfaces, computational analysis and modeling software, connections to remote databases, and for supporting the timely import and dissemination of assay data and results. The incumbent must have a strong technical background with good teamwork and communication skills, be able to work closely with collaborators, and must be able to articulate plans, problems, and solutions to team members. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to develop robust processes and procedures for thorough hardware, software, and application testing. Knowledge and experience in machine learning, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis are required. Prior software development experience is required. Candidates should be familiar with the following items in the MPS-Db development stack: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, Django/Python, PostgreSQL, NGINX, uWSGI, Linux/Unix

The incumbent will work closely with other project members to implement and test a web application using Python, Javascript, and other tools as necessary, and to implement project algorithms. He/she will also be the primary individual responsible for maintaining the project code base, databases, and website. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to participate in performing evaluations that involve applying project algorithms to predict clinical outcomes based on test data. The Incumbent must demonstrate proficiency by means of code samples or detailed discussion of the implementations. A strong technical background along with good teamwork and communication skills are required so that that programmer can work closely with customers when necessary and can articulate plans, problems, and solutions clearly to team members. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to develop processes and procedures for thorough hardware, software and application testing requires attention to detail and precision.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

– BS in Computational Biology, Computer Science, Medical Informatics or a related field, or demonstrated experience in web application design and development with modern programming languages (e.g., Python, Javascript),
– Familiarity with popular APIs, frameworks, and technologies (e.g. jQuery, Django, AJAX).
– Experience with Linux userspace tools including Bash scripting
– Experience with Git version control
– Strong communication and interpersonal skills
– Ability to take initiative and work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary and national team

Apply Here

PI99768812