A single sequencing run can produce hundreds of gigabytes of data, and the analysis pipelines that turn those reads into results require more computing power than a laptop can offer. HPSC staff can help researchers develop bioinformatics pipelines using ISAAC computing resources. 

Who This Service Supports 

Bioinformatics Computing Support is available to bioinformatics and computational biology researchers of all experience levels, including faculty, staff, postdocs, and students. 

Software and Tools on ISAAC 

ISAAC maintains a library of bioinformatics software delivered through the module system, so you can load exactly the versions your analysis requires: 

• Run module avail to list the software installed on the system. 

• Run module spider <name> to find any module or extension matching a name or description. 

Best practice: Note the specific module versions you use for a project and load them explicitly rather than relying on defaults. Default versions change as new software is installed, and older versions are deprecated, so pinning versions makes your work reproducible. 

HPSC also provides RStudio and Jupyter through Open OnDemand, a graphical web application that lets you analyze your data directly on the cluster using familiar tools. 

If your pipeline needs a package that isn’t installed, submit an HPSC Service Request. Software installation and maintenance for supported research needs are part of the service. 

How can we help

HPSC staff include PhD-holding computational scientists with experience in bioinformatics and computational biology.  

Request assistance with: 

• Consultation on analysis strategy: scoping a project and choosing appropriate tools before the work begins. 

• Pipeline setup and optimization: building, adapting, and tuning bioinformatics workflows to run efficiently on ISAAC. 

• Software installation and maintenance: adding and maintaining the packages your research requires. 

• Scientific computing support: job submission, resource requests, and troubleshooting failing or slow workflows. 

• Storage and data management guidance: planning for large sequence datasets and supporting data management plans for funded projects. 

• Proposal support: guidance on computing and storage needs while a proposal is still being written. 

• Documentation and training: workshops, tutorials, and written guides for researchers and students. 

Working with Sequencing Data from the Genomics Core 

Many bioinformatics projects at UT begin at the UT Genomics Core, which provides library prep, high-throughput Illumina sequencing, and Sanger sequencing. HPSC staff support the transfer of large sequencing datasets via Globus. 

ways to Get Started 

1. Request an ISAAC account for access to the cluster and its software library. ISAAC resources are available to UT faculty and students; sponsored access for non-UT researchers may be considered for projects with a UT faculty lead. 

2. Review the Bioinformatics Computing Support page for service details and supported tools.

3. Submit an HPSC Service Request to discuss a bioinformatics project, request a software installation, or get help with a pipeline. 

4. Drop in to ISAAC Office Hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern via Zoom. Only UT-authenticated users can enter the session.