Bioinformatics Programmer

BIOINFORMATICS PROGR 2 (009402)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_189913

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

11/14/2025 12:05:20 PM

Date Last Edited:

11/14/2025 12:05:17 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

2100O

Organization:

DENTISTRY

Division Code:

2110D

Division:

CLINICAL

Department:

135000 - DENTISTRY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_189913

Position Description ID

246055

UC Payroll Title:

BIOINFORMATICS PROGR 2 (009402)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

Grade 22

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

1 - Staff: Contract

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40040085

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROF-HCOMP

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40061708

Department Head Payroll Title:

DEAN

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Dr. Yvonne Kapila is looking for a dynamic and highly motivated researcher to join her team to study microbial multi-omics related to human health and disease. The Kapila laboratory is actively characterizing the human virome across the oral-gut-brain axis for the NIH Human Virome Program, as well as researching how bacteria and viruses synerzige with oral health and human cancers.

The Bioinformatics Programmer applies professional bioinformatics concepts and computational methods to analyze and interpret moderately complex biological data. The incumbent will support multi-omics and microbiome research projects focused on host-microbe interactions, human health, and disease. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining data analysis pipelines, performing statistical and computational analyses, collaborating with research staff, and contributing to publications and presentations. The position requires knowledge of programming languages such as R and Python, familiarity with next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, and the ability to work independently within defined guidelines.

Bioinformatics Analysis & Research Support

1. Analyze next-generation sequencing (NGS) data including RNA-Seq, metagenomic, and virome datasets.

2. Perform quality control, read alignment, and downstream analyses using standard bioinformatics tools and statistical software.

3. Integrate and analyze microbiome and virome data with associated clinical metadata to identify biological trends and outcomes.

4. Apply established algorithms, statistical methodologies, and visualization techniques to interpret results.

5. Assist in developing and optimizing computational workflows and pipelines to support ongoing research projects.

50%

Programming & Data Management

1. Maintain and document computational tools, databases, and data management systems used in the lab.

2. Implement and test modifications to operational systems and ensure data integrity across analyses.

3. Maintain project documentation, repositories, and lab web pages as needed.

30%

Project Coordination

1. Communicate analytical results clearly and effectively through written reports, visualizations, and oral presentations.

2. Collaborate with internal lab members and external partners (e.g., HVP consortia) to achieve project objectives.

3. Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant submissions, and other research communications.

4. Provide technical input and advice to researchers regarding data analysis strategies and interpretation of results.

5. Perform related duties as assigned to ensure timely project completion and compliance with research objectives.

20%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

PhD

PhD degree in biomedical sciences or related disciplines.

Preferred

At least 3-5 years of post-doctoral experience in microbial bioinformatics

Preferred

Experience in next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analyses

Required

Background in long- and short-read sequencing (QC, alignments), data visualization tools and statistical analyses using various programming languages (R, python, etc)

Required

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Required

Eagerness to take initiative and leadership to complete tasks in a timely manner.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

School of Dentistry

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.