Computational Biology Specialist - Metagenomics in United States Embassy at Jobgether

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Computational Biology Specialist - Metagenomics based in the United States.

As a Computational Biology Specialist - Metagenomics, you will contribute to cutting-edge scientific research by supporting complex bioinformatics projects focused on microbial genomics and high-throughput sequencing analysis. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside multidisciplinary researchers, clinicians, and scientists to develop innovative computational solutions that advance biological discovery. You will serve as a subject matter expert in metagenomic methodologies, providing technical leadership, analytical expertise, and guidance across research initiatives. Your work will directly support the design, execution, and interpretation of large-scale biological studies while helping researchers leverage advanced computational tools and workflows. This position is ideal for a highly collaborative scientist who enjoys solving complex data challenges, developing new analytical approaches, and translating computational insights into meaningful scientific outcomes. You will operate in an environment that values innovation, knowledge sharing, and continuous advancement in computational biology.

• Design, develop, and implement computational biology algorithms, workflows, and analytical approaches to process, analyze, manage, interpret, and visualize scientific data.
• Serve as a metagenomics subject matter expert, providing technical leadership and guidance on sequencing strategies, analytical methods, and computational approaches.
• Support researchers and clinicians by designing metagenomic studies, advising on experimental approaches, and identifying appropriate bioinformatics solutions to meet scientific objectives.
• Analyze large-scale metagenomic datasets, including shotgun metagenomics and amplicon sequencing data, using advanced computational tools and statistical methodologies.
• Develop, maintain, document, and deliver training materials and educational sessions that enable researchers to effectively use bioinformatics tools, pipelines, and high-throughput data processing workflows.
• Provide consultation, troubleshooting, and technical support for computational biology software, metagenomics pipelines, and data analysis challenges.
• Collaborate with software developers to design and integrate metagenomics solutions into enterprise platforms and scientific computing environments.
• Research emerging computational biology technologies, methodologies, and scientific literature to continuously improve analytical capabilities.
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, physicians, and technical experts to support research collaborations, publications, and scientific innovation.
• Manage multiple complex projects independently while maintaining strong communication, organization, and attention to detail.

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computational Biology, Microbiology, Statistics, Bioinformatics, or a related life, physical, or computational science discipline.
• At least two publications demonstrating the use or development of metagenomic methods.
• Minimum of two years of experience analyzing large-scale metagenomic datasets, including shotgun metagenomics and amplicon sequencing workflows.
• Strong expertise in metagenomic technologies, microbial ecology, molecular biology, bioinformatics methods, and relevant analytical tools.
• Experience with metagenomics software and pipelines such as QIIME2, MetaPhlAn, MEGAN, Kraken, Ganon, HUMAnN, DADA2, USEARCH, DIAMOND, Bowtie2, BioBakery, genomic assemblers, and related tools.
• Proficiency working with metagenomic file formats including FASTQ, SAM/BAM, BIOM, and HDF5, as well as relevant databases such as SILVA, RDP, Greengenes, NCBI/RefSeq, IMG/M, GTDB, and UHGG.
• Strong programming and scripting skills using environments such as Python, R, and Bash, with experience using UNIX/Linux command-line tools and code repositories such as GitHub or Bitbucket.
• Experience with functional and taxonomic annotation methods using tools and databases including KEGG, eggNOG, InterProScan, Pfam, and MetaCyc.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing environments such as SLURM, PBS, or UGE, along with experience managing large-scale scientific datasets.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis methods, including multivariate analysis, differential abundance testing, Bayesian approaches, linear mixed models, and tools such as phyloseq, ggplot, and MaAsLin2.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex computational concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary scientific teams while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required public trust clearance.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with additional omics workflows, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, proteomics, or multi-omics integration.
• Experience developing reproducible bioinformatics pipelines using tools such as Snakemake, Nextflow, or R targets.
• Background in microbiology, infectious disease research, immunology, environmental science, or related fields, including laboratory or sequencing experience.
• Experience integrating metagenomic datasets with other biological data types to support advanced scientific analysis.

• Competitive annual salary range of $98,000–$163,000 USD, depending on skills, experience, training, certifications, and organizational needs.
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Flexible benefits package designed to support employee health, wellbeing, and work-life balance.
• Paid holidays, personal and family sick time, and parental leave.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Life insurance, travel assistance, and optional additional insurance programs.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement and opportunities for certifications, professional development, and continuous learning.
• Employee referral program and company-sponsored events.
• Community outreach and engagement opportunities.
• Employee assistance programs and additional wellness benefits.
• Potential eligibility for discretionary variable incentive bonuses.
• Remote work flexibility within the United States.