GLBIO 2025 late-breaking poster submissions are due next Thursday.

This is a great opportunity to share your work with your colleagues in bioinformatics and computational biology!

Submission due date: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Submit your abstract now to take part in this exciting event!

In this issue:

Featured jobs:

• Biostatistician
• Postdoc in Reproductive Genetics - Bioinformatics

Article: Spring Cleaning: Time to Update Your Professional Profile

Career Compass Featured Jobs

Biostatistician

Faculty Biostatistics & Bioinformatics – Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, OH

Job description: The Cleveland Clinic Department of Quantitative Health Sciences has a faculty opening, at the Cleveland Ohio Main Campus, for an early to mid-career bioinformatics / biostatistician with interest in a long-term commitment to lead biostatical collaborations with Cleveland Clinic's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (LRCBH). The center is dedicated to the care of patients with memory loss, dementia and other cognitive/behavioral disorders of aging, the pursuit of a better understanding of the underlying pathobiology of these disorders, and the development of more effective treatments. The center is located on the main campus of the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. The LRCBH is home to the NIA sponsored Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (CADRC) and has a Research Center of Excellence designation by the Lewy Body Dementia Association. The research budget at the center is over 25 million dollars.

The primary need for the next five-eight years is for the statistical expert to be able to leverage multiplex analyte platforms, proteomic data, and MRI/PET imaging along with clinical variables to help develop data driven disease progression models and risk assessment. The successful candidate will lead biostatistical design and analysis for observational studies and clinical trials. Additional expertise in one or more of the following areas would be desirable: novel clinical trial design, developing computational pipelines for high-dimensional data analysis, modelling multidimensional datasets, machine learning, omics analyses, longitudinal modeling, structural equations modeling, use of electronic medical record data, and adaptive network analysis. Currently the center employs one Master’s degree Biostatistician whom the new hire will oversee and mentor. LRCBH investigators seek expertise from a PhD-level scientist for addressing complex research questions in neurodegenerative disease research, database management and study design.

This is a hard-money position with no explicit requirements to obtain salary support.

The position is 70% collaboration and 30% protected time for independent research.

The position includes an appointment to the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University at rank commensurate with experience. Candidates should enjoy collaborating on and bringing creative analytic approaches to complex problems in neurodegenerative disease research and have a strong desire to publish journal articles. Excellent English written and oral communication skills are essential.

Postdoc in Reproductive Genetics - Bioinformatics - Bioinformatics

University of Gothenburg, Wallenberg Laboratory/ Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy

Sweden Gothenburg

Job description: Miscarriage is the most common pregnancy complication, with over 23 million pregnancies ending in miscarriage every year. This project aims to identify fetal genetic factors (SNP and de novo copy number variants) behind miscarriage, particularly among fetuses with normal chromosome counts. The postdoc fellow will lead a project using large-scale genotyping array data from miscarried fetuses and their mothers (including calling of aneuploidies and copy number variants) and contribute to ongoing efforts in this field (GWAS, meta-analyses, etc).

The postdoc fellow will primarily conduct high-quality research. The job assignments include data quality control and analysis, dissemination of results (write research articles, presentations at conferences), and supervision of Master/ PhD students. There are opportunities to expand the project's focus within the framework of the specified project and postdoctoral fellow's interests and specialization. The postdoc fellow is also expected to participate and assist in projects from other group members and colleagues, and to contribute to administrative tasks such as data acquisition and applications to the ethics committee, among others. As a postdoc in Pol's new group, you will have the opportunity to significantly influence and define the lab's culture. You will shape how we approach science, mentor students and develop as a research team.

Team's website:mosaic-wlab.github.io/

Spring Cleaning:

Time to Update Your Professional Profile

Spring is a season of renewal and fresh starts. That makes it the perfect time to refresh your professional profile! And we don’t just mean updating your LinkedIn photo or changing the font on your resume. We mean giving everything a thoughtful tidy-up to position yourself for new opportunities, even if you're not actively job hunting.

Review and Declutter

Take some time to review your resume and the details of your LinkedIn profile to make sure the most relevant information is there with no additional clutter.

On your resume, reorder sections if your goals or strengths have shifted. If you are in the midst of a job search, make sure that you reorder sections on your resume in a way that aligns with each job you’re applying for.

Be sure to remove outdated and irrelevant roles and bullet points, while simultaneously trimming down excess details, focusing on clarity of your experiences and strengths to make an impact.

On LinkedIn, consider archiving old posts or other updates that no longer apply to your current employment status, goals, or career aspirations. When it comes to connections on LinkedIn, while they are important, quantity isn’t better than quality. It’s important to periodically review your connections and clean up the list. Why? Updating your connections list, especially if you’re changing industries, can help enhance the quality and relevance of your professional network, and can mean more engagement and greater visibility.

Update and Elevate

With your resume and LinkedIn profile decluttered, it’s time to update!

Have another look at your resume and make sure to add roles, strengths, skills, or accomplishments that are not currently listed. To make achievements most effective in telling your career story, quantify them where possible. Instead of saying something general like “was instrumental in boosting sales” provide a number; the percent increase in sales or the dollar amount of increased revenue, for example. Numbers are evidence of what you’re capable of and are more effective than general statements.

When updating your resume, keep in mind that you should tailor it for the direction you’re hoping to go, not just recording where you’ve been!

With your resume up to date, now it’s time to update LinkedIn. The first step to updating your LinkedIn profile is making sure that you have a good quality profile picture and an appropriate background image. Next, review and update your headline and summary for clarity, making sure to use relevant keywords. Scroll down your profile page and review your work experience, education, certifications, skills, and awards. Update each section to include anything that’s missing and—if you forgot to do so when you decluttered—remove anything that might no longer be applicable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about updating your LinkedIn profile, here’s a LinkedIn makeover checklist that might help!

Tailor and Optimize

Using a “one-size-fits-all” resume when applying for jobs is a sure way to get your resume passed over. If you’re actively searching for a new job, be sure to tailor your resume to each job you’re applying for. If you’re making a career shift to a new industry, highlight transferable skills so there’s no question about whether you could take on a new role. To truly optimize your resume, incorporate words and phrases found in the job description and make sure to use industry-specific terms when and where appropriate.

When it comes to LinkedIn, tailoring and optimizing your headline and summary can make a world of difference! If there’s an industry in which you’re hoping to continue your career, make sure your summary reflects that. In your headline, summary, and experience sections, use keywords to help improve your visibility to recruiters. In the summary and experience sections especially, highlight strengths and skills, particularly those that are transferable across industries.

Final Thoughts

Even if you’re not actively job hunting, a little spring cleaning of your professional profile can go a long way. Keeping your resume and LinkedIn fresh isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about staying ready for whatever opportunity might come next. A little intention now means less scrambling later!

Want Your Job Featured in the Next Career Compass?

You can get your job featured in the Career Compass newsletter by selecting this option when you post a new job!

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the ISCB Career Center.

2. From your Profile page or My Job Posts page, click the blue “Post a Job” button.

3. On the next page, select option 2 that mentions the monthly marketing with Career Compass.

4. Complete the required payment for the Career Compass upgrade.

5. Fill out your job post details.

6. Click “Submit” to post your job on the ISCB Career Center.

7. Keep an eye out for the next Career Compass newsletter to see your job there, too!

We’re excited to share that in conjunction with VIZBI 2025 in April, we will be running DataVis Masterclasses across three European locations — Germany, the UK, and France:

• The Heidelberg Masterclass (2 April) is a half-day primer on visual principles and methods, taught by Seán O'Donoghue (UNSW, AU).  

• The Cambridge Masterclass (8 April) is a full-day event featuring Drew Berry (WEHI, AU), Barbora Kozlíková (Masaryk University, CZ), Daniel Haehn (UMass Boston, US), Andy Lomas (Goldsmiths, UK), and Christian Stolte (Cellarity, US).

• The Paris Masterclass (14 April) features Drew Berry, Barbora Kozlíková, Seán O'Donoghue, and Christian Stolte.

The Cambridge Masterclass will be streamed live for virtual attendees, with videos available on demand afterwards.

The DataVis Masterclass lets you learn cutting-edge visualization techniques directly from renowned practitioners. The events cover foundational topics — Visualization Principles, Design, and Data-Driven Storytelling — as well as specialist talks on Uncertainty & Temporal Data, Web-Based Visualizations, and Complexity & Aesthetics.

How is the Masterclass structured? The Masterclass is designed for anyone working with complex data. The format maximizes your time by distilling decades of DataVis knowledge into a single day. To facilitate feedback, the number of participants is limited. You’ll get practical and actionable insights that accelerate your work. You’ll also receive a digital certificate of attendance that can be added to your LinkedIn profile.

As an ISCB member, you get a 15% registration discount on the Cambridge event. For the Heidelberg and Paris events, you get a 30% discount with promo code ISCB-MBR-RATE, and a 50% discount when registering with a colleague with a ‘2-for-1’ ticket. Register now to secure your spot.

We hope you’ll join us for one of the DataVis Masterclass events — in-person or online!

This is a quick reminder that the abstract submission deadline for ISMB/ECCB 2025 is April 17, only one month away.

Don’t miss your chance to present your research at one of the leading conferences in computational biology!

And be sure to take advantage of the early bird registration discount! Register by March 31 and use code EARLY10 to save 10% on your registration.

Click the banner to register! ⬇️

On behalf of the AfSCS Organizing Team:

Announcing the 4th African Student Council Symposium 2025

ISCB Student Council is thrilled to invite you to submit abstracts to the 4th African Student Council Symposium, a hybrid event taking place as a pre-conference event of the ISCB-Africa ASBCB Conference on Bioinformatics on 14th April 2025 in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa.

#AfSCS2025 is designed to be a dynamic platform for students and early-career researchers across the African continent and beyond. We aim to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and facilitate crucial knowledge exchange. Join us as we:

• Showcase Cutting-Edge Research: Present your work through student presentations and engaging poster sessions.

• Learn from Renowned Experts: Gain invaluable insights from inspiring keynote presentations delivered by leading scientists and researchers.

• Engage in Critical Discussions: Participate in interactive panel discussions addressing the challenges and opportunities facing African students.

• Build a Powerful Network: Connect with peers, mentors, and professionals, expanding your professional horizons.

• Develop Essential Skills: Enhance your presentation, communication, and networking abilities.

This is your opportunity to contribute to the advancement
of African research!

Key Highlights:

• Date: April 14, 2025

• Location: Cape Town, South Africa

• Abstract Submission Deadline: March 14, 2025

Click here to submit your abstract!

We encourage you to share this invitation with your network! This symposium is a valuable opportunity for students and early-career researchers to connect, learn, and grow.

Stay Connected:

• Website: afscs2025.iscbsc.org/

• Social Media: Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements.

For inquiries regarding registration or abstract submission, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Join us in Cape Town and be a part of #AfSCS2025! Together, we can empower the next generation of African researchers.

#AfSCS2025 Organizing Team

In this issue:

Career Compass Featured Jobs:

• Biostatistician

Article: The Art of Self-Advocacy: Asking for More at Work

Career Compass Featured Jobs

Biostatistician
Faculty Biostatistics & Bioinformatics – Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, OH
Job description: The Cleveland Clinic Department of Quantitative Health Sciences has a faculty opening, at the Cleveland Ohio Main Campus, for an early to mid-career bioinformatics / biostatistician with interest in a long-term commitment to lead biostatical collaborations with Cleveland Clinic's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (LRCBH). The center is dedicated to the care of patients with memory loss, dementia and other cognitive/behavioral disorders of aging, the pursuit of a better understanding of the underlying pathobiology of these disorders, and the development of more effective treatments. The center is located on the main campus of the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. The LRCBH is home to the NIA sponsored Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (CADRC) and has a Research Center of Excellence designation by the Lewy Body Dementia Association. The research budget at the center is over 25 million dollars.

The primary need for the next five-eight years is for the statistical expert to be able to leverage multiplex analyte platforms, proteomic data, and MRI/PET imaging along with clinical variables to help develop data driven disease progression models and risk assessment. The successful candidate will lead biostatistical design and analysis for observational studies and clinical trials. Additional expertise in one or more of the following areas would be desirable: novel clinical trial design, developing computational pipelines for high-dimensional data analysis, modelling multidimensional datasets, machine learning, omics analyses, longitudinal modeling, structural equations modeling, use of electronic medical record data, and adaptive network analysis. Currently the center employs one Master’s degree Biostatistician whom the new hire will oversee and mentor. LRCBH investigators seek expertise from a PhD-level scientist for addressing complex research questions in neurodegenerative disease research, database management and study design.

This is a hard-money position with no explicit requirements to obtain salary support.

The position is 70% collaboration and 30% protected time for independent research.

The position includes an appointment to the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University at rank commensurate with experience. Candidates should enjoy collaborating on and bringing creative analytic approaches to complex problems in neurodegenerative disease research and have a strong desire to publish journal articles. Excellent English written and oral communication skills are essential.

The Art of Self-Advocacy: Asking for More at Work

Advocating for yourself at work can be intimidating, but it’s essential for career growth. No one knows your skills and contributions better than you, so if you don’t speak up, who will? Whether you’re asking for a raise, a promotion, or new responsibilities, these strategies will help you navigate the conversation with confidence.

Asking to Take on New Responsibilities

If you’re hoping to take on more responsibilities at work in order to expand your skill set and prepare you for future career growth, you often have to ask for it! Here are some ways to make a professional request for taking on new tasks:

1. Identify opportunities. Look for gaps in the team that you could help fill or identify upcoming projects you may be able to take the lead on.

2. Frame your request as a benefit. Instead of making a general statement that you’d like to try something new, explain how your involvement can help the organization (e.g., “I noticed our client reports could be streamlined. I’d love to take the lead on improving this process”).

3. Start small. While your initiative is sure to be appreciated, you might not be given big projects or tasks immediately. Don’t look at this as a refusal! If your manager is hesitant, propose a trial period or small-scale version of your idea to help show them you’re up to the challenge!

Asking for a Raise

Asking for a raise can be a difficult, sometimes awkward, situation to navigate. And while many people avoid having this conversation, be it due to fear or uncertainty, employees who take the plunge and negotiate their salary tend to earn more over their careers.

If you’re going to ask for a raise, here are a few tips to make it easier:

1. Do your research. Research market salaries for your role, consider your contributions, and be prepared to show how you've added value to the company.
   
   

2. Ask at the right time. Consider company performance, industry trends, and your recent accomplishments. Annual reviews, after a big win, or when taking on additional work are ideal times to broach the subject of increased pay.
   
   

3. Be confident! Instead of “I need a raise because of inflation,” be specific. Try, “Over the past year, I’ve led [specific projects] that [measurable results]. Based on industry standards and my contributions, I’d like to discuss a salary adjustment.” Using clear, data-driven reasoning will be more impactful.

Pitching Yourself for a Promotion

Getting a promotion at work isn’t always something that happens automatically. The best way to make it happen? Advocate for yourself! Here are some ideas:

1. Be clear on what you want. Are you looking for a title change and an increase in responsibility? Are you hoping for a bump in your salary? Make sure you know what you want to get out of the promotion before requesting it!

2. Build your case. Assess your job performance during your time with the company. Have you mastered all the tasks of your current position? Are you meeting your annual goals? How have your work and achievements positively impacted the company?

3. Take initiative before you ask. If you’re seeking a leadership role, start taking on tasks that align with the position you’re hoping for (e.g., mentoring colleagues, taking ownership of projects). Demonstrating that you’re already operating at the next level makes it easier for decision-makers to see you as the right fit for the promotion.

Final Thoughts

Like any skill, self-advocacy gets easier with practice. Even if you’re not ready to ask for a raise or promotion, you can build confidence by starting small with things like requesting feedback, sharing your career goals, or taking initiative on a project that aligns with your interests.

They say, “Good things come to those who wait,” but in reality, great things come to those who ask for them!

Want Your Job Featured in the Next Career Compass?

You can get your job featured in the Career Compass newsletter by selecting this option when you post a new job!

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the ISCB Career Center.

2. From your Profile page or My Job Posts page, click the blue “Post a Job” button.

3. On the next page, select option 2 that mentions the monthly marketing with Career Compass.

4. Complete the required payment for the Career Compass upgrade.

5. Fill out your job post details.

6. Click “Submit” to post your job on the ISCB Career Center.

7. Keep an eye out for the next Career Compass newsletter to see your job there, too!

 GLBIO 2025 is now accepting late-breaking poster submissions, offering another opportunity to share your work with fellow researchers in bioinformatics and computational biology.

Submission due date: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Submit your abstract now to take part in this exciting event!

Individual registration for ISMB/ECCB 2025
is now open!

Join us in Liverpool for an exciting programme of the latest research, networking opportunities, and scientific collaboration!

Register by March 31 and use code EARLY10 to receive 10% off your registration fee.

We look forward to seeing you at ISMB/ECCB 2025!

Group registration is not currently available but is coming soon!