Computational Biologist

The Computational Biologist II is responsible for complex data analysis or processing of biological data, with a focus on high-throughput technologies and genomic databases.

The Computational Biologist is a quantitative scientist who collaborates with scientific investigators and with other research staff in the analysis of high-throughput data, and dissemination of scientific results.

The Computational Biologist may work on many types of projects and areas of research including cancer genomics, functional genomics, immuno-oncology, molecular imaging, data management and integration, and querying biological databases.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Data Processing: Uses existing tools to build data processing pipelines to convert raw data into formats compatible with conventional statistical analysis and visualization. Adapts tools when necessary.
• Data Analysis: Performs routine analysis for which established tools exist and are considered reliable.
• Keeps up with the computational biology literature to assure pipelines components are up to date. Adapts tools when necessary.
• Data and Software Management: Monitors, downloads, organizes, and manages data from public data repositories or generated by collaborates. Evaluates published tools and updates pipeline as necessary. Writes scripts that perform this automatically.
• Manuscript Preparation: Independently edits and drafts the computational biology sections of a manuscript; assists in writing the results section; checks manuscripts for numerical accuracy; prepares tables and figures. 
• Grant Preparation: Helps to formulate specific aims, explains options for experimental design, and develops data analysis plans.   Minimal guidance is expected.
• Research Portfolio Management: Develops timelines and components for larger projects; masters multi-tasking so that complex projects involving many interdisciplinary individuals move forward smoothly.

 Team interactions: Share strategies for effective interaction with investigators, as well as for efficient task management.  Share analytic strategies with peers.  Suggest professional team initiatives.

Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree required in a STEM field.  Master’s degree preferred in bioinformatics, computational biology, statistics, biostatistics, computer science and/or the life sciences.

Minimum Education:
2 years with Bachelor’s degree or 1 year with Master’s degree; academic research experience or authorship in scientific publications experience may substitute for work experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Computational Skills: Expert Knowledge of UNIX/Linux. Strong knowledge of scripting in Python and statistical programming using R.
• Data analysis Skills: Experience with principles of experimental design and the modern data analysis paradigms is required.
• Collaboration: Able to discuss and present results, share ideas accurately and communicate them effectively, both in writing and verbally.
• Strong interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and external contacts.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

EEOC Poster