| Cofactor Genomics is Hiring | August 11, 2009 |
Seeking Passionate, Creative Software Developer for Growing Startup (Downtown St. Louis)
Cofactor Genomics is seeking a talented Software Developer for computational biology algorithms, graphical interface, and database development in our fast-paced start-up. If you are not already familiar, you will be immersed in the world of Next-Generation DNA Sequencing from the wet-lab through basic informatics and biologically meaningful analysis. You will be expected to contribute to discussions on Marketing, New Product/Service Design, R&D, etc. Everyday at Cofactor is a significant learning opportunity both internally and through our partner firms at the bleeding edge of genome research.
There are many ongoing software development efforts at Cofactor from which you may choose (or which the day-to-day may necessitate!). Current efforts center on converting existing algorithms from quick-and-dirty Perl to work with our multi-threaded, Object-Oriented, asymptotic complexity-optimal Java infrastructure. Our new platform provides high-level idioms and analysis primitives that will fundamentally alter how the world performs genome analysis. We are also looking to add new features to our highly-novel Core Animation based graphical genome browser, and develop new graphical views, statistical summaries, and biologically-relevant filters for emerging DNA sequencing applications.
You must be able to select generic algorithms or data structures for problems based on their asymptotic complexity. Everything in DNA sequencing is about hundreds of millions or billions, so these choices are not only desirable, they are essential.
Encapsulation, delegation, aggregation, and polymorphism, along with other strong Object-Oriented design fundamentals should be second nature to you. Similarly, data modeling from a relational perspective and moderate SQL knowledge is key. If you are not familiar with concurrent/multi-threaded programming, you should be excited to learn!
Graphics programming experience in any language is desirable, but regardless, you should have a good eye for critiquing and improving complex artistic compositions of graphics primitives.
You should have advanced knowledge of several programming languages, and either knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the languages used at Cofactor, including Java, Perl, Objective-C/Cocoa, SQL, and Flex/Flash/Actionscript.
Math is fundamental. Your relationship with math must not be hostile as much of computational biology is built on probability theory.
Refactoring and Patterns theory knowledge, or the desire and ability to learn, are a plus.
While in the short term you need to construct a good deal of high-quality code and quickly come up to speed in computational biology, ultimately you should be able to synthesize the Cofactor biology, design, and software experience to lead a team of future developers.
Cofactor Genomics is a small services firm entering a period of high growth. As an early hire, it is essential that you mesh with the Cofactor culture of commitment, creativity, interdisciplinary thinking, assertiveness and teamwork.
This position is to be filled as soon as possible. Work schedules are quite flexible.
Recent WashU/MST math or computer science graduates with a good grasp of actual development are especially encouraged to apply.
Please email any questions, a cover letter introduction and your Resume/CV to careers@cofactorgenomics.com