Senior Bioinformatician

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Publ Hlth Scientist (NS)

Position Number

65024279

Grade

NC20

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Senior Bioinformatician serves as the bioinformatics lead within the Infectious Diseases Unit at the NC State Laboratory of Public Health, supporting sequencing and pathogen‑surveillance activities across multiple laboratory programs. The position oversees bioinformatic analysis, including the development, evaluation, and implementation of whole genome sequencing and next‑generation sequencing workflows within the Sequencing and Bioinformatics Response (SaBR) Unit.

This role develops and maintains CLIA‑compliant data‑processing pipelines that support epidemiological investigations and contribute to the diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and control of communicable diseases. The position provides technical direction for quality assurance, workflow maintenance, staff training, and problem resolution. It also delivers regional training as a co‑training lead, including quarterly reporting on grant‑funded training and development activities.


Key Duties Include:
– Overseeing bioinformatic analyses and workflow development within the Sequencing and Bioinformatics Response (SaBR) Unit.

– Developing, evaluating, and implementing whole genome sequencing (WGS) and next‑generation sequencing (NGS) workflows to support communicable‑disease surveillance.

– Creating and maintaining CLIA‑compliant bioinformatics pipelines for processing WGS/NGS datasets used in epidemiological investigations.

– Collaborating with laboratory leadership and unit managers to lead cross‑cutting method development and integration of new sequencing approaches.

– Providing professional and technical direction for quality‑assurance practices, workflow maintenance, and problem‑resolution activities related to bioinformatics processes.

– Preparing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and documentation for bioinformatics methods used in laboratory operations.

– Leading staff training on bioinformatics tools, workflows, and analytical techniques within the Infectious Diseases Unit.

– Serving as a co‑training lead for the Mid‑Atlantic Region by developing, delivering, and documenting bioinformatics training and reporting on associated grant deliverables.

– Supporting pathogen‑surveillance activities by ensuring accurate, timely processing and analysis of sequencing data for public‑health decision‑making.

– Coordinating with internal and external partners to ensure bioinformatics workflows align with laboratory testing needs and public‑health priorities.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $70,478.00 - $123,336.00

Recruitment Range: $70,478.00 - $105,231.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Expertise in bioinformatics and genomics, demonstrated through supporting analytical workflows that integrate epidemiological principles and public health laboratory practices.

• Experience developing and implementing bioinformatic workflows and pipelines using workflow managers such as Nextflow and container platforms such as Docker, with defined proficiency using R, Python, and command‑line tools.

• Demonstrated success presenting complex bioinformatics concepts to both small and large groups in formats appropriate for varied technical audiences.

• Proven track record leading a technical team of bioinformatics‑focused scientists, including guiding workflow development, coordinating analytical tasks, and supporting problem‑solving activities.

• Proficiency applying computational tools, scripting languages, and workflow‑management systems to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency in bioinformatics analyses.

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH):

The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.

About the Molecular Epidemiology, Sequencing and Bioinformatics Group:

The Molecular Epidemiology, Sequencing and Bioinformatics group is responsible for performing a variety of highly complex laboratory tests to identify human pathogens of public health significance. The reports generated by this group are used by state and local health officials in the detection, identification and surveillance of pathogens. The tests performed in this group are primarily molecular-based such as next generation sequencing (NGS), real-time PCR, and other advanced molecular detection methods. The group conducts highly complex procedures for the identification and characterization of a wide range of agents from a variety of clinical, reference, and environmental specimens and utilizes bioinformatic analyses when applicable. This group serves as a resource to internal and external partners, other units within the NC SLPH, and in the Mid-Atlantic region as an Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) Training Co-Lead with the Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services (VA DCLS).

Campus Amenities and Benefits at the State Laboratory of Public Health:

• 220,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility
• Plentiful Free Parking
• Easy access to highways (70, 40 and 440), NC Museum of Art, Umstead State Park, healthcare providers, and shopping centers
• Proximity to globally and nationally ranked universities (NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke)
• Fitness area with exercise equipment, classes, and wellness activities
• Weekly Food Trucks
• Car Cleaning and Detailing Services On-site bimonthly
• Annual Flu Shot Clinic for Employees and Families
• Monthly and quarterly career development classes, including opportunities for traveling
• Library of academic journals and materials on-site
• Employee Engagement and Staff Development Activities
• NCSLPH Employee Recognition Programs
• State Health Plan and State of NC Employee Benefits

Compensation and Benefits: 

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Visit the website for State Benefits. 

Supplemental Contact Information: 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  For more information about DHHS:  https://www.ncdhhs.gov/. 

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. 

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved.  We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. 

Application Process 

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information. 
• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers. 
• If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date. 
• Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check. 
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks. 
• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. 
• For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members. 

Degree/College Credit Verification 

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application. 

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference 

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. 
• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.  
• Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. 

ADA Accommodations 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. 

CONTACT INFORMATION  

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected]. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. 

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Doctoral degree in molecular biology, medical genetics, microbiology, immunology, analytical chemistry, or a related laboratory field from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of clinical laboratory or research experience

OR

Master's degree in molecular biology, medical genetics, microbiology, immunology, analytical chemistry, or a related laboratory field from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of clinical laboratory or research experience

OR

Bachelor's degree in degree in molecular biology, medical genetics, microbiology, immunology, analytical chemistry, or a related laboratory field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of clinical laboratory or research experience

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Tresha Walker

Contact:

DHHS Workday Support Form