COMPUTATIONAL SCIENTIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Dec 24, 2024 - The Computational Scientist possesses extensive experience in applied mathematics, computer science, and specific scientific disciplines, with a strong background in developing application codes and libraries for high-performance computing resources. This role requires expertise in numerical methods, parallel algorithms, and programming languages, along with proficiency in parallel software development on large-scale computational resources. The scientist also can work with prominent simulation codes, leadership computing facilities, and an in-depth understanding of the entire software stack on leadership computing platforms, complemented by excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Computational Scientist Resume
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Numerical Methods
  • Parallel Algorithms
  • MPI
  • Fortran
  • C
  • C++
  • High-Performance Computing
  • Simulation Codes
  • Scientific Computing Libraries
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Adaptability
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Time Management
  • Organizational Skills
  • Leadership
  • Motivation

Summary of Computational Scientist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Computer Science with 5 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of genomics (such as genome assembly, annotation, pangenome, comparative genomics, functional genomics, etc)
  • Experience in data integration, data mining, using and/or managing databases
  • Experience working with UNIX/LINUX environment
  • Experience with machine learning, and natural language processing 
  • Proficiency in applying statistical methods (such as differential expression analysis, gene network analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, integrated omics analyses, etc.)
  • Proficiency in one or more statistical programming or scripting languages such as R, Python, or other relevant languages
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks
  • Ability to learn and develop new technical skills, and expand knowledge
  • Excellent communication skills, fluency in both verbal and written English communication
  • Ability to drive the application of computational analysis for trait lead discovery

2. BS in Applied Mathematics with 3 years of Experience

  • Theoretical knowledge of bioinformatics, and computational biology
  • Keeps current with emerging trends in bioinformatics and computational biology
  • Familiarity with popular public domain data sources and programmatic interfaces
  • Experience in designing and conducting computational biology activities to meet program objectives
  • Able to provide input on timelines and resource needs as indicated
  • Able to evaluate/develop computational methods based on project needs
  • Basic knowledge of biomedical science and technologies outside the specific discipline
  • The ability to independently manage own workload
  • Must be scientifically independent
  • Ability to search literature and come up with innovative solutions to difficult problems

3. BS in Physics with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience in successful and modern software design and development and lifestyle methods.
  • Python and C programming experience
  • Experience working in multidisciplinary scientific collaboration
  • Track record of producing high-quality software on schedule
  • Appreciation for a range of scientific domains: high-energy physics, bimolecular, climate sciences, etc.
  • Experience working in inter-disciplinary teams
  • A degree in CS/CE in high-performance computing
  • Experience in system software design and implementation of scalable systems
  • The ability to conduct scientific presentations to internal audiences
  • Able to determine methods on new assignments, perform a literature search to propose innovative solutions

4. BS in Computational Science with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in applied mathematics, physics, or other math-intensive subjects.
  • Experience developing advanced data analysis techniques, signal processing algorithms, or control algorithms.
  • Advanced coding and simulation skills.
  • Ability to translate ideas from research articles to functioning prototypes.
  • Practical knowledge and proven skills in areas such as convex optimization, dimensionality reduction, compressive sensing, computational imaging, high-dimensional signal processing, etc.
  • Depth of experience in several different signal domains (audio, RF, images, tomography, etc.)
  • Ability to prototype algorithms in numerical environments (MATLAB, Python, Julia, etc.) as well as translate them into practical implementations (Python/Numpy/Scipy, C/C++, etc).
  • Experience in developing and optimizing algorithms to run on DSP/GPU/SIMD architectures.
  • Hands-on prototyping skills with electronics and embedded computing.
  • Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills

5. BS in Engineering with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience working with analytical models, methods, applications, and tools, such as statistical analysis, predictive modeling, simulation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence
  • The ability to select and apply the appropriate analytical techniques
  • Analyzing large and complex data sets, with a strong aptitude for conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis
  • Knowledge of “Big data” environment including Hadoop, Spark, Hive, Netezza
  • A good working knowledge of programming in Spark - Scala, PySpark, SparkR
  • A good working knowledge of programming in R, Python, SAS, or Java
  • A good working knowledge of visualization skills such as Tableau, Power BI, or R Shiny
  • Able to contribute to a positive working environment by building strong, collaborative relationships with team members
  • The ability to communicate effectively to various audiences, including various levels of management and external clients, in a professional environment
  • Demonstrate flexibility in prioritizing and completing tasks, communicating potential conflicts to a supervisor

6. BS in Data Science with 8 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of and experience with machine learning and bioinformatic techniques.
  • Experience with high dimensional data analysis derived from Next Generation Sequencing, including some of the following microbiome data, RNASeq, DNASeq, miRNA, copy number, epigenetics, and single-cell sequencing
  • Hands-on experience developing and implementing bioinformatic pipelines for microbiome data analysis, RNASeq, DNASeq, single-cell datasets, and metabolomics.
  • Solid knowledge of Unix/Linux, command line interfaces, and fluency in some common scripting and/or programming languages (e.g., R, Python, Perl, Java, C / C++).
  • Familiarity with parallel computing, relational databases (e.g., SQL), and cloud computing or distributed computing (i.e. AWS)
  • Familiarity with Tensorflow/Keras or equivalent deep-learning language
  • Strong scientific understanding of molecular biology and genomics
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
  • Independent, self-starting and supportive of team-based research and able to work effectively in a matrix organization
  • Ability to work in a team and influence the team to make data-driven decisions

7. BS in Bioinformatics with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience in applied mathematics, computer science, or a specific scientific discipline 
  • Demonstrate experience developing application codes and/or libraries for high-performance computing resources.
  • Experience with numerical methods, parallel algorithms, MPI, and a common scientific computing programming language (i.e., Fortran, C, and/or C++).
  • A good working knowledge of Parallel software development on large-scale computational resources.
  • Experience with one or more prominent simulation codes or libraries that use the Leadership Computing Facilities.
  • Experience in a domain aligned with US DOE Office of Science mission areas.
  • Experience with multiple common scientific computing programming languages and programming models.
  • Experience with computing at scale (for example, computing on a resource in the top 20 of the Top500 list).
  • Knowledge of the entire software stack on a leadership computing platform, including compilers and runtime systems.
  • The ability to work in a dynamic, team environment
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, and strong personal motivation