Joshua Burger

Bioinformatics Specialist | Molecular Biology Researcher

Professional Summary

Dedicated bioinformatics specialist with strong expertise in computational biology, genomic analysis, and molecular research. Skilled in applying R and Python programming to analyze complex biological datasets, with specific experience in identifying sites of adaptive selection in bacteriophage genes. Currently completing a Master’s thesis focusing on experimental evolution and bioinformatics tools for verification of adaptive selection.

Technical Skills

• Programming Languages: R, Python, SQL
• Bioinformatics Tools: BLAST, ClustalOmega, NextFlow, NCBI datasets, EMBOSS command line
• Data Analysis: Statistical analysis, genomic data processing, sequence alignment
• Laboratory Techniques: Molecular biology methods, experimental evolution
• Software: Excel, RStudio IDE, MySQL

Education

Master of Science in Biology (Focus: Bioinformatics)
Idaho State University
August 2023 - August 2025 (Expected)

Bachelor of Science in Biology (Focus: Bioinformatics)
Brigham Young University - Idaho
September 2017 - April 2023

Research Experience

Graduate Research - Master’s Thesis
Idaho State University
August 2023 - Present

• Developing computational pipelines to identify sites of adaptive selection in bacteriophage genes

• Designing and executing experimental evolution protocols to verify bioinformatic predictions

• Applying statistical methods to analyze genomic data for evolutionary patterns

• Utilizing R and Python for data processing and visualization of research findings

Graduate Teaching Assistant
Idaho State University
August 2023 - Present

• Instructing undergraduate students in biological laboratory techniques and data analysis

• Supporting faculty with research projects requiring computational analysis

• Creating educational materials to explain concepts in General Biology and Microbiology

Professional Experience

Test Technician
BioLogiQ Inc.
August 2021 - August 2023

• Performed physical tests for research, development, and quality assurance

• Created comprehensive data collection protocols and managed research databases

• Developed standardized work instructions for testing procedures

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement efficient data management systems

Teller
Beehive Federal Credit Union
May 2020 - August 2021

• Developed Excel-based tracking system for mortgage department, improving loan status monitoring

• Created color-coded cable management system to support IT troubleshooting efforts

• Maintained accurate financial records while providing excellent customer service

Publications & Presentations

Burger, J. (In progress). Adaptive Evolution of Bacteriophage Cyclic Oligonucleotide Sequestering Genes: Insights into the Phage-Host Coevolutionary Arms Race. Master’s thesis, Idaho State University.

Burger, J., Thomas, M., (2024) Adaptive Evolution of Phage Holin Genes: Rapid Evolutionary Change in Transmembrane Domains. Poster presented at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute SEA Faculty Meeting, Chevy Chase, MD.

*Sullivan, E. et al., (Under Review) Isolation and genome annotation of Rowlf, a novel cluster EG bacteriophage with a purple acid phosphatase-like gene. Submitted to Microbiology Resource Announcements

*I am author 17 of 20 for this Publication

Professional Affiliations

• American Society for Microbiology