Sequencing and Bioinformatics Specialist

Pay Grade: M

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Who We Are. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in communities throughout the state. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters.

What We Offer. As a member of the DPH team, you will join a group of passionate individuals dedicated to serving Georgians. Regardless of your role, you will contribute to protecting lives while enjoying a wide range of benefits.

• Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play.
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and the people of Georgia.  
• Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team – Collaborate with employees who share ideas and leverage collective strengths. 
• Achieve Career Longevity – Take advantage of opportunities for learning and development that support a long-term career.
• Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Work in a unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role.
• Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like yourself.

The applicant must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of molecular biology, pathogen genomics, and bioinformatics applications in public health.
• Prepare and process clinical and environmental samples for sequencing using established protocols and platforms (e.g., Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio); develop and optimize sequencing assays as needed.
• Perform library preparation, quantification, and quality assessment using molecular biology techniques and instrumentation.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret sequencing and bioinformatics data; draw conclusions and prepare reports.
• Contribute to the training of new personnel and promote best practices within the sequencing and bioinformatics teams.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting language (e.g., Python, PERL, Java, Nextflow) and familiarity with Unix/Linux operating systems.
• Develop, test, and implement complex bioinformatics pipelines to analyze large sequencing datasets generated across multiple platforms.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to databases and bioinformatics pipelines in high-performance computing (HPC) and AWS cloud environments.
• Participate in the development and validation of new laboratory and bioinformatics methods.
• Demonstrate strong project and data management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Exhibit effective oral and written communication skills; fulfill sequencing and bioinformatics responsibilities and other related duties as assigned.
• Design and implement dashboards to visualize and monitor pathogens of public health concern.
• Collaborate effectively with laboratory, epidemiology, and informatics teams to develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sequencing workflows and bioinformatics pipeline development.
• Assist in managing laboratory contracts and budgets, including contributions to federal grant applications.
• Generate figures, tables, and graphs from analytical outputs for inclusion in quarterly and annual progress reports, conference presentations, and scientific manuscripts.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in Computer Science or Management Information Systems AND two years of related experience.

*Academic transcripts are required* Please upload a copy of all relevant transcripts to this application.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related field, with at least two years of hands-on experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) laboratory operations and bioinformatics data analysis.
• Candidates with a Master’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Microbial Genetics, or a related discipline and strong programming skills will also be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience using computerized Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Proven experience serving as a sequencing and bioinformatics specialist, with the ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate multiple projects, and guide the work of others effectively.
• Familiarity with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations, standards, and participation in audit processes.
• Experience collaborating with contracts and budget management teams, including support for grant or funding-related activities.

State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department. 

ADA Statement

DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov. 

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview.  DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

BENEFITS

Standard Benefits for Full-Time Salaried Employees
 In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes a flexible schedule, training opportunities, health insurance, employee retirement plan (ERS GSEPS), deferred compensation, 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, dental, vision, long-term care, and life insurance.

Standard Benefits for Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan and receive paid parental leave.