Jobs
Junior/Assistant Specialist for MODEL-AD
Posted 21 Mar 2025
Employer
University of California Irvine
Location
Irvine, California
Principal Investigator
Contact
https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09537
Description
The UCI Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) is seeking a dedicated junior/assistant specialist to join the NIH-funded MODEL-AD, multi-project research team to work on large-scale multi-omics and systems biology projects. It is seeking a highly motivated database research specialist with expertise in database management, data integration, and metadata harmonization to support large-scale animal model and genomics research efforts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Python programming, experience with PostgreSQL or similar database management systems, and a working knowledge of mouse genetics and genomics.
This position will play a critical role in integrating metadata from the CLIMB animal management database, ensuring seamless data and metadata harmonization, and maintaining database integrity across MODEL-AD research teams. The database manager will also be responsible for uploading and curating datasets in the Synapse repository and working closely with interdisciplinary teams to optimize data workflows.
Key Responsibilities:
Metadata Integration & Harmonization:
- Extract, transform, and integrate metadata from the CLIMB database into a standardized format.
- Develop scripts and workflows for metadata harmonization across different MODEL-AD research teams.
Database Management & Maintenance:
- Design, develop, and maintain relational databases (PostgreSQL or similar) for managing animal model and genomic datasets.
- Ensure data integrity, security, and accessibility for researchers across collaborating teams.
- Develop and optimize database queries, indexes, and performance tuning strategies.
Data Upload & Repository Management:
- Prepare and upload datasets to the Synapse repository, ensuring compliance with data-sharing policies.
- Maintain version control and proper documentation of datasets for reproducibility and transparency.
Collaboration & Support:
- Work closely with bioinformatics, computational biology, and research teams to facilitate seamless data integration.
- Provide technical support and troubleshooting for database-related queries.
- Contribute to documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practices for database and data management workflows.
Rank and salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
Requirements
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.
Degree in computer science, data science, or related field.
- Proficiency in Python programming with experience in data processing, database automation, and API integration.
- Expertise in PostgreSQL or similar relational database management systems (MySQL, SQL Server, etc.).
- Experience with ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes and database optimization techniques.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with attention to detail.