The Prensner laboratory (https://prensnerlab.org) at Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center in the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Department of Biological Chemistry is looking for an exceptional candidate for a unique Applications Programmer / Analyst Associate position focused on computer science, software engineering, and bioinformatics.

This position affords the exciting opportunity to contribute to research with cutting-edge sequencing-based data for childhood cancer.  Current interests for the lab include big data analyses using ribosome profiling, transcriptome assembly, and proteomics in the context of childhood cancer.

Prior work in the lab has focused on the dark genome in cancer (Prensner et al., Nature Biotechnology 2021), gene discovery in pediatric brain cancer (Hofman et al., Molecular Cell, 2024), and small open reading frames (Prensner et al., Molecular & Cellular Proteomics 2023; Mudge, Ruiz-Orera, Prensner et al, Nature Biotechnology 2022).  We have conducted high-depth proteomics analyses of cancer and non-cancer (Deutsch, 2024).  We have employed transformer models for small open reading frames in machine learning studies (Clauwaert et al, Nature Communications, 2025).

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

PRENSNER LAB ENVIRONMENT

The Prensner Lab (https://prensnerlab.org) seeks to create a lab culture based on respect, integrity, perseverance, and fun. We aspire to be creative and collaborative scientists who are societally engaged.  We regularly collaborate with labs both nationally and globally.  We welcome applicants of all kinds. 

THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

As one of the world's top universities located in one of the country's most highly educated and most livable cities, the University of Michigan provides an outstanding research environment that is matched by a vibrant city community.  The nationally recognized medical school, cancer center, and basic science departments afford close interactions with top academic teams of diverse skillsets.

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

The successful candidate will play a key role in the Prensner laboratory to optimize computational operations within the group.  This candidate will have primary responsibility in managing, improving, and developing lab computational resources.  Data types are focused on nucleic acid sequencing modalities from in-house assays, public datasets, and external collaborators.  The successful candidate will be able to bridge a biological/scientific understanding of the data and the necessary steps to ensure proper computational handling of the data.  This includes responsibilities in managing multiple ongoing collaborations, including interpreting data with collaborators.

This candidate will receive commensurate academic credit for these efforts. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Data Management: Organize and handle incoming and outgoing data generated by the lab or handled during collaborations across multiple systems and servers. Lead and manage sequencing data submissions to public data repositories.
• System Administration: Administer and maintain the lab's computational infrastructure, including workstations and servers, by managing software installation, updates, and implementing data backup and recovery strategies.
• Pipeline Development: Design, deploy, and maintain snakemake pipelines for processing biological data in collaboration with lab-members. This includes managing the need for multiple reference genomes depending on project.
• Tool & Database development: Implement and deploy services to facilitate wet-lab or dry-lab tasks, such as queryable databases or web applications, to streamline data access and facilitate research.
• Documentation: Create documentation on services, pipelines and protocols within the lab to facilitate onboarding and continuity. 
• Attends team meetings
• Other tasks as required

Education

• Bachelor degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, the life sciences, engineering, or a related discipline.

Skills and abilities

• 1-2 years systems analysis/programming activities
• Fluency with R, Python and/or Bash.
• Prior experience with writing code in a variety of project settings
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail are essential
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and with external contacts are needed
• Ability and eagerness to learn in a self-motivating environment.

Education

•  Master's degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, the life sciences, engineering, or a related discipline.

Skills and abilities

• Unix/Linux experience is also helpful
• Prior experience with nucleotide sequencing data is highly desired
• Familiarity with Docker containers and/or Snakemake workflows is helpful

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.