Co-Ad Non-Teaching - Vershon Lab

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

This position will create a computer program to replace the DNA Sequence Analysis Program ( DSAP) that is used by participants in the Waksman Student Scholars Program ( WSSP). DSAP is an on-line program used by high school students in the WSSP to analyze DNA sequences and report their findings. It leads the students through the analysis of the sequence and records their answers. There are context-dependent help modules to aid the students in the analysis. In addition to the front side of the program used by the students, there is a separate interface for teachers and WSSP staff to review the students' work. There is also a built-in messaging system used by the students, teachers and WSSP staff that is used in the review process and allows students to ask questions about their analysis. There is a database associated with the program to upload the DNA sequence files and store all the students' data and messages. This database is used to export the students' sequences and analysis for publication on the NCBI DNA sequence databases. There are also built-in modules to view and edit the DNA sequences and to conceptually translate the DNA sequence into a protein sequence. The position requires a strong background in computer programing, database design, and DNA sequence analysis.

The position will have a large role in planning the implementation of the DSAP

This position is responsible for multiple interconnected functional areas including:

* Software architecture and full-stack web development

* Database design, optimization, and administration

* Server infrastructure management and deployment

* User support across three distinct user groups (students, instructors, administrative staff)

* Integration with external bioinformatics databases and APIs

* Data security and access control management

* Technical documentation and user training materials development

* System performance monitoring and troubleshooting

* Translating complex molecular biology workflows into functional software requirements.

The role requires balancing technical development priorities with educational pedagogy needs while maintaining platform reliability for a geographically distributed user base operating across different academic calendars and program structures.

* Must have strong background in working in JavaScript (Node.js, React), SQL, HTML/ CSS, and modern web development frameworks

* Must have detailed background in process of DNA sequence analysis using sites and programs on NCBI, PDB, PubMed, BioGRID, TAIR, and Cell eFP.

* Additional requirements include:

* Experience with database management systems (PostgreSQL preferred) and ORM tools

* Familiarity with RESTful API design and development

* Knowledge of user authentication and role-based access control systems

* Experience with version control systems (Git)

* Understanding of server deployment and management (Linux/Unix environments)

* Ability to integrate external APIs and third-party services

* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently

* Excellent communication skills for working with educational stakeholders (instructors, students, WSSP administrators)

* Experience with educational technology platforms preferred

* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Biology, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Must have knowledge in software engineering and web application development, including full-stack development with JavaScript frameworks (e.g. Node.js, React), database architecture and optimization (e.g. PostgreSQL), server administration and deployment (Linux environments), API integration and development, and security implementation for educational platforms.

This advanced technical expertise is required because the position involves designing, developing, and maintaining a complex web-based DNA sequence analysis platform serving >1,000 students across 40+ institutions, requiring the ability to architect scalable solutions, troubleshoot production systems, integrate with external bioinformatics databases ( NCBI, PDB, etc.), and ensure platform reliability and security for a distributed user base. The role requires the unique combination of molecular biology expertise to understand educational workflows and user requirements, paired with software development skills to implement technical solutions that meet the specific needs of DNA sequence analysis pedagogy.

PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field

Requires someone who has had extensive experience in teaching high school and undergraduate students and has developed strong pedagogical skills.

The position requires a very strong understanding of the current version of DSAP and its different uses by students, teachers and WSSP staff. The position requires experience in programming with JavaScript (Node.js, React), SQL/PostgreSQL, Git version control, Linux/Unix server environments, API integration tools, and modern web development frameworks. Familiarity with PM2 process management, database connection pooling (e.g. PgBouncer), and deployment automation tools is required. Must be proficient with bioinformatics software and databases including NCBI BLAST, sequence alignment tools, and chromatogram analysis programs.

None

The Waksman Institute of Microbiology
190 Frelinghuysen Road
Piscataway, New Jersey 08854-8020