Research Scientist

The Research Scientist will support genomics and precision health research initiatives within the Office for Research and Innovation. The position will conduct genomic data and public database analyses, perform variant interpretation and classification, identify high-impact research opportunities and evidence gaps, and work with multidisciplinary research working groups to translate findings into research projects, grant applications, manuscripts, and translational outcomes. The Research Scientist will also contribute scientific expertise to the development and advancement of research, educational, and professional training initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Genomic Data Analysis and Variant Interpretation

• Query and analyze relevant public and controlled-access resources, including All of Us, UK Biobank, gnomAD, ClinVar, ClinGen, and other genomic, clinical, and biomedical databases.
•  Respond to scientific research questions from Meharry investigators by identifying appropriate genomic and biomedical data resources, conducting targeted analyses, and providing evidence-based findings to address the research question.
• Analyze population and ancestry-specific genomic variation, genotype-phenotype relationships, disease associations, and clinically relevant genomic findings.
• Identify and investigate variants of uncertain significance (VUS), conflicting classifications, and genomic evidence gaps that warrant further study.
• Develop reproducible analytical workflows and integrate genomic evidence with clinical, phenotypic, epidemiological, functional, and published evidence.

Research Development, Working Groups, and Training Initiatives

• Provide scientific and analytical support to multidisciplinary research working groups and translate scientific discussions into actionable research projects.
• Conduct literature, evidence, and data reviews to identify high-impact research questions, evidence gaps, and emerging research opportunities.
• Develop research hypotheses, study designs, analytical strategies, and preliminary analyses using institutional and external genomic resources.
• Support the development and implementation of educational, training, and workforce development programs in genomics, precision health, and related areas by providing scientific expertise, conducting needs and landscape assessments, developing scientific content and program materials, and supporting program planning and evaluation
• Support development of scientifically current content and alignment of training initiatives with advances and workforce needs in genomics and precision health.

Grants, Publications, and Scientific Dissemination

• Lead or contribute to manuscripts, abstracts, scientific presentations, research reports, white papers, and other scholarly products.
• Collaborate with faculty and research teams to translate genomic findings and working-group priorities into fundable projects and peer-reviewed publications.

                                                                                                               

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Strong knowledge of human genetics, genomics, population genomics, and genomic variant interpretation.
• Experience with genomic databases and large-scale genomic datasets.
• Experience with genomic analysis tools and proficiency in R, Python, or comparable analytical tools.
• Strong scientific writing, analytical, critical-thinking, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary research teams and manage multiple scientific projects.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred:

• Experience with All of Us, UK Biobank, gnomAD, ClinVar, ClinGen, or comparable genomic resources.
• Knowledge of ACMG/AMP variant classification principles and ClinGen resources.
• Experience investigating VUS, conflicting classifications, ancestry-related genomic evidence gaps, or genotype-phenotype relationships.
• Experience integrating genomic, clinical, phenotypic, epidemiological, or functional data.
• Experience with grant development, particularly NIH applications, and multidisciplinary research collaborations.
• Experience with cloud-based genomic analysis environments or controlled-access biomedical datasets.

Education and Experience Required:

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in human genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, genetic epidemiology, molecular genetics, biomedical sciences, precision medicine, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant research experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting human genomic research, analyzing genomic data, and interpreting human genetic variation.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Postdoctoral or equivalent advanced research experience.
• Peer-reviewed publication record in genomics, human genetics, precision health, or a related field.
• Experience contributing to competitive research grants and multidisciplinary research collaborations.