Faculty Assistant (Bioinformatician)

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement: The Tiwari Lab (umdwheatgenomics.weebly.com) at the University of Maryland, College Park is seeking a motivated, sharp, and hardworking Faculty Assistant (Bioinformatician) to support the lab's bioinformatics and computational needs and to help develop new tools that accelerate discovery. This role offers opportunities for co-authorship on collaborative projects while leaving room to lead independent research.

Our laboratory focuses on the genomics of small grains — wheat, barley, and triticale — leveraging genomic data in the post-reference-genome era to increase resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, improve grain quality, and reduce ecological footprint. We are passionate about advancing wheat quality and productivity, and about making our resources publicly available.

If you're excited about bioinformatics, data analysis, and joining a collaborative team working on wheat genomics and crop improvement, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:
• Analyze NGS datasets (genomic, RNA-seq, Iso-Seq) for gene expression, structural variation, and functional genomics studies
• Perform high-quality polyploid genome assembly and annotation using state-of-the-art methods
• Conduct GWAS, QTL-seq, and MutMap analyses to identify genetic loci associated with important traits
• Develop, implement, and maintain databases for managing genomic and transcriptomic datasets
• Program in Python and R to build custom workflows for advanced data analysis and visualization
• Run computational pipelines on Linux-based HPC systems, ensuring reproducibility of workflows
• Lead individual projects from design through completion, taking ownership of timelines, methodological rigor, and the overall quality of results
• Collaborate with experimental biologists to integrate bioinformatics insights into publications and grant proposals
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the lab as needed


Physical Demands: Ability to lift and carry, able to walk long distances, bending, kneeling or stooping are standard; You are expected to work outdoors in all conditions. Unpredictable weather often forces sudden scheduling changes, requiring a highly flexible work routine. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.


Preferences:
• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field
• Strong background in NGS data analysis and genome assembly
• Demonstrated experience with GWAS, QTL-seq, and MutMap pipelines
• Proficiency in Python, R, and Linux/HPC environments
• Proficiency in HTML and JavaScript for database development
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects independently and ensure the quality and reproducibility of results
• A proven publication record in computational genomics or a related field
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for multidisciplinary research


Licenses/ Certifications: NA

Application process interested candidates should submit:
• A short, concise statement of research interests, experience, and career goals
• A detailed CV
• Contact information for previous mentors willing to provide recommendation letters

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials:
A detailed CV; A short, concise statement of research interests, experience, and career goals; Contact information for previous mentors willing to provide recommendation letters

Best Consideration Date: 10/16/2026

Posting Close Date: NA

Open Until Filled: YES

Financial Disclosure Required

Department

AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$62,000 - $70,000

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

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