Careers at Virginia Tech

Dr. Shenglin Mei lab at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) Cancer Research Center DC is seeking two highly motivated Bioinformatics Research Assistants to join our team.

The Mei Laboratory studies the remodeling and regulatory mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment during tumor progression and metastasis. The lab combines single-cell technologies, genomic datasets, machine learning, and experimental methods to investigate how the tumor microenvironment and gene regulatory factors control tumor metastasis cascade. By advancing our understanding of malignant cell heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment remodeling, we aim to drive the development of novel therapeutic approaches for patients with metastatic cancer. The current focuses in lab include the following directions: 1) Developing computational methods for integrating multi-modal data, such as scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, spatial transcriptomics, ChIP-seq, and CRISPR screening. 2) Investigating context-dependent remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. 3) Identifying novel regulators within the tumor microenvironment. 4) Exploring tumor organ specific metastasis with multi-omics data integration.

This position will provide ample opportunities for professional development and the acquisition of cutting-edge skills in basic and translational cancer genomics research, research planning and strategy, and data analysis and interpretation. The successful candidates will collaborate with researchers across multiple institutions.

- Demonstrated research training.
- Some coding knowledge of either R or python.
- Excellent communication and data presentation skills
- Facility with computer tools such as MS Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
- Demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to learn new technical and operational processes and adapt well to changes.
- Demonstrated interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.

• Coursework or training in Data Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Machine Learning, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Computer science or other related fields.
• Experience in developing data analysis pipeline.
• Familiarity with analysis of single cell RNA sequencing data.
• Experience in cancer research, including a working understanding of cancer immunology.
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions.

3

Restricted

Commensurate

11/15/2024

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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