Staff Scientist - Translational Genomics and Computational Biology (Research Professional 5 - Informatics 9791IF)

Title: Research Professional 5 - Informatics
Job Code & Class: 9791IF - Professional and Academic (P&A)
Department: Translational Center for Resuscitative Trauma Care
Budgeted Salary Range: $80,000-$95,000

ABOUT THE POSITION
Position Overview:
This Researcher 5 position (working title: Staff Scientist - Translational Genomics and Computational Biology) will work with Dr. Geetha Saarunya, who leads the Translational Validity Observatory (TVO), housed within the Translational Center for Resuscitative Trauma Care (TCRTC) in the University of Minnesota Medical School's Department of Surgery. Dr. Saarunya's research program develops computational and translational approaches for understanding dynamic clinical states, biological heterogeneity, and the validity of clinical constructs across datasets and institutions. The research integrates longitudinal clinical data, genomics, multi-omics, and reproducible computational methods to improve the rigor, interpretability, and transportability of biomedical evidence.

The position will contribute to TVO while also supporting a broader genomics, multi-omics, and translational research portfolio. TVO is a funded translational science initiative that evaluates whether clinical definitions, measurements, and analytical findings remain interpretable and portable when observation processes, data sources, or patient populations change. The successful candidate will independently develop and conduct analyses, build reproducible workflows, contribute to manuscripts and grant-related scientific materials, and collaborate with clinical, computational, and biological investigators, analysts, and trainees.

This is a 100% full-time, grant-funded, annually renewable position with an appointment ending August 30, 2028. The position is primarily computer- and meeting-based and involves extended computer use and participation in virtual and in-person meetings. It is based on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by the manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct Scientific Analyses and Develop Studies (35%)
* Co-develop research questions, study designs, and analysis plans with the principal
investigator and collaborators.
* Conduct rigorous analyses of longitudinal clinical, genomic, multi-omic, and other high-
dimensional biomedical data.
* Interpret findings in biological and translational context and identify limitations, validation
needs, and next-stage studies.
* Evaluate analytic assumptions and support transparent decisions about measurement,
cohort construction, and interpretation.

Build Reproducible Workflows and Research Infrastructure (25%)
* Build, validate, document, and maintain reproducible computational pipelines.
* Support code review, data provenance, quality control, version control, and transparent
analytical handoffs.
* Develop reusable scripts, workflow components, and technical documentation for
collaborative research projects.
* Coordinate analytical inputs and outputs across secure computing, cloud, or high-
performance computing environments as appropriate.

Develop Genomic and Multi-Omic Methods (20%)
* Develop and apply approaches for genomic, structural-variant, transcriptomic, and other
high-dimensional biological data.
* Integrate genomic and molecular evidence with clinical and longitudinal data when
scientifically appropriate.
* Evaluate emerging methods and adapt analytical strategies to the scientific question, data
structure, and available evidence.
* Document methods, quality-control decisions, and interpretation boundaries for reproducible use by collaborators.

Lead Scientific Communication and Dissemination (15%)
* Lead or contribute to manuscripts, scientific figures, presentations, technical documentation,
reports, and grant-related materials.
* Translate complex analytical findings for interdisciplinary clinical, computational, and
biological audiences.
* Present progress, methods, results, and limitations in research meetings and collaborative
forums.

Collaborate, Coordinate, and Mentor (5%)
* Collaborate with clinicians, informaticians, analysts, engineers, trainees, and external
investigators.
* Provide scientific guidance and mentorship to students, analysts, and other research team
members.
* Participate in team meetings and contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and well-documented
research environment.

PAY & BENEFITS
Pay Range: $80,000-$95,000; depending on education, qualifications, and experience
Time Appointment: 100%
Work Location: University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus; primarily in person

All required qualifications must be shown on application materials

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Advanced degree with one or more years of research training

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
* PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant scientific or quantitative field, completed by the appointment start date.
* Demonstrated experience analyzing genomic, multi-omic, computational, or other high-dimensional biological data, including experience in comparative genomics, molecular evolution, structural variation, transcriptomics, or related areas.
* Demonstrated experience conducting reproducible quantitative analyses using R, Python, or comparable scientific programming tools.
* Evidence of independent scientific contributions through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, analytical products, methods, software, or comparable scholarly work.
* Experience developing, adapting, or validating computational pipelines and using version control, high-performance computing, cloud computing, workflow systems, or containerization.
* Experience leading or making substantial contributions to manuscripts, scientific figures, presentations, reports, or grant materials.
* Experience collaborating across disciplines or institutions, organizing complex research projects, documenting work, and communicating analytical decisions, limitations, and results.
* Experience mentoring students, analysts, research staff, or early-career scientists.

The Translational Center for Resuscitative Trauma Care (TCRTC) is a multidisciplinary translational research center dedicated to improving care for trauma and critically ill patients. The Center advances biological discovery, develops and evaluates novel approaches to hemorrhage, inflammation, organ failure, and recovery, and supports research and trainee development across the spectrum of care.
Committed to innovation and diversity, the University of Minnesota Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus, with additional MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Pay Range: $80,000 - $95,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.