Protein Optimization Data Management Lead-001B7

Description

Proteins that confer insect or herbicide tolerance or that enhance yield or nutritional properties can potentially be improved by changing their primary sequence. By combining in silico protein design with high throughput cloning and screening, Monsanto's research site in Cambridge, MA, generates and screens multiple variants to find those that are sufficiently improved to be introduced into plants. The process involves many different data types and tools to design and synthesize the variants, track them through the pipeline and analyze and interpret assay results.

We are seeking an individual to lead and execute a data management and bioinformatics strategy to enable our High Throughput Protein Optimization teams to deliver next generation agricultural biotechnology products. The data systems will allow functional assay data to be interpreted in the context of protein structure. The scientific results will help drive the understanding of protein function and mode of action to support rational design approaches to protein engineering and optimization. The data systems will support all steps of the discovery pipeline, including laboratory information management (LIMS), bioinformatics workflows, databases for storing assay results and associated meta-data and reports and UIs for making data available to researchers. The individual will:
1) Oversee the planning and development of data systems, reports, and tools to store and integrate bioinformatics, assay, and status tracking data.
2) Develop goals, detailed requirements, and project plans for delivering and enhancing software solutions
3) Identify and leverage interactions with information management professionals in R and D headquarters
4) Manage a small team of bioinformatics scientists, providing both general guidance and advice on specific solutions
5) Ensure that tools are developed and supported to allow aggressive timelines for delivering clones and proteins to be met
6) Align software requirements to support laboratory processes and software systems that span geographical sites
7) Ensure that tools and databases are available to researchers throughout the company's technology organization, as appropriate
8) Present updates, plans and recommended prioritization for discussion by scientific leaders

The job has significant growth potential for strategic leadership in complex data integration and data mining solutions.

Qualifications

Qualifications: Ph.D. or equivalent in genomics, bioinformatics, computer science, molecular biology, biochemistry or other related science discipline, and at least 3 years of experience in leading projects dealing with laboratory information management systems and high throughput assay data.
The candidate must
- have a documented track record of delivering data systems to support high throughput discovery pipelines
- have comprehensive working knowledge of experimental and/or data integration and mining aspects of high throughput functional or structural genomics projects, with experience in high throughput screening or protein-based studies particularly useful
- have 2-3 years of experience in implementing LIMS or complex integrated data and software systems to support life science research
- have demonstrated experience with SQL and large-scale database management systems (e.g., Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server)
- have at least 4 years of programming experience in one or more of these languages: .NET (Visual Basic, C#, or C++), Java, Python, or Perl
- be familiar with common bioinformatics tools, databases, and software development processes

The candidate must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact successfully with project leads, software developers, and laboratory scientists. Project management and/or people management experience is required.

Preference will be given to individuals with a background in protein science, molecular biology, biochemistry, and high throughput screening.

Job
Research & Development
Primary Location
North America-USA-Massachusetts
Organization
Prot Tech_51013268
Schedule
Full-time