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Bioinformatician

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $80,000–$110,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

You would produce, present and discuss data analysis reports. How do you present a result to a biologist who will question your method?

What they are checking: Communicating computational work to bench scientists.

Tell me about an analysis where your first result turned out to be wrong.

What they are checking: Intellectual honesty about their own work.

This asks for five to seven years, prefers an advanced degree and a strong publication record, and sits in the Section of Genetic Medicine. What would you want to know about how results here turn into publications?

What they are checking: That they care about authorship and output, which matters in research staff roles.

What would you do

The role involves customizing existing applications for specific project needs. When do you extend an existing tool and when do you write your own?

What they are checking: Restraint about building, which wastes time in research groups.

You would plan your own resources and guide researchers toward computational strategies. How do you tell a researcher their question cannot be answered with the data they have?

What they are checking: Saying no to a scientist about their own experiment.

About the work

This role analyzes and interprets large genomic datasets for a genetic medicine research group. Walk me through how you would approach a single cell RNA sequencing dataset you have not seen before.

What they are checking: Analysis method on the data type the posting names as preferred.

The posting asks you to transfer abstract workflows into production level software. What changes when an analysis has to run reliably rather than once?

What they are checking: The prototype-to-production step, stated directly in the duties.

How do you build an analysis so that someone could rerun it a year from now and get the same answer?

What they are checking: Reproducibility discipline, which research computing lives or dies on.

How do you tell a real biological signal from an artifact of how the data was processed?

What they are checking: The central skepticism of the discipline.

The preferred qualifications name genetics and immunology knowledge. How much biology do you need to do this job well?

What they are checking: Whether they see domain understanding as necessary or optional.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department BSD MED - Genetic Medicine - Chowdhury Research Staff About the Department The Section of Genetic Medicine continues to shape the future of personalized medicine with successful research programs focused on the quantitative genetic and genomic science. The Section provides extremely valuable collaborations with investigators in the Department of Medicine who are seeking to develop new and more powerful ways to identify genetic risk factors for common, complex disorders with almost immediate clinical application. The Section of Genetic Medicine conducts impactful investigations focused on quantitative genetics, systems biology and genomics, bioinformatics and computational biology as well as through extensive collaborations of the faculty throughout the Department of Medicine, Biological Sciences Division and the University of Chicago. Job Summary The Roy Chowdhury Lab is looking for a Bioinformatician to work on the analysis and interpretation of large genomic datasets for research projects aimed at identifying factors that contribute to protective immunity against Mtb. The Bioinformatician is also expected to work on other ongoing projects in the lab. The Bioinformatician will perform general bioinformatics analysis for projects primarily involving omics data and support all phases of bioinformatics activities by helping devise or modify procedures to solve complex problems. The incumbent will manage data including loading and querying data from database system and public repositories and transform and merge multilevel omic data into user-friendly formats, develop software pipelines, provide preliminary interpretation of the data, and reports of the results for possible publications. The incumbent will also work in collaboration with others working to complete projects in a timely and efficient manner. Responsibilities • Basic application of computational tools and information technology to gather, analyze and visualize data in biology and biomedical research. • Implements or modifies existing web-based bioinformatics tools. • Transfers abstract workflows into production level software. • Analyzes and interprets data of high throughput genomics, proteomics and genetic data. • Customizes existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs. • Assists in creating data algorithms and specialized computer software to identify and classify components of a biological system, such as DNA and protein sequences. • Supports the development of data models, databases or software applications. • Produces, presents and discusses high quality data analysis reports. • Plans own resources to implement or modify existing web-based bioinformatics tools. • Guides with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies. • Designs and perform formal evaluation of informatics methods and products. • Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: • Advanced degree. Technical Skills or Knowledge: • Proficient in developing and implementing empirical genomic protocols. • Familiar with the analysis of single cell RNA-seq data sets. • Proficient at assisting with training, a strong publication record, and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in research. • Knowledge in genetics/ immunology. • Knowledge in bioinformatics methods and statistical tools for the analyses of genomic data. • Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures. Preferred Competencies • Analytical skills. • Problem-solving skills. • Attention to detail. • Organizational skills. • Verbal and written communication skills. • Work independently and as part of a team. Application Documents • Resume/CV (required) • Cover Letter (required) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ​ FLSA Status Exempt ​ Pay Range $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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