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

Position overview

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $55,000-$70,700. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 24B for Represented Specialist Series. 'Off-scale salaries', i.e. a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Application Window

Open date: September 23, 2025

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Oct 8, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

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.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

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.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09907

Job location

Irvine, CA