Computational Biologist [Remote]

Overview

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute seeks a Computational Biologist, under the Van Allen lab ( to work as a data scientist on the analysis of new datasets generated in the context of thyroid cancer-oriented sequencing projects to help advance efforts for precision cancer medicine for thyroid cancer patients.

The qualified candidate will develop and support thyroid cancer data processing and analysis tools, create new algorithms for emerging clinically focused needs with an emphasis on bulk, single cell and spatial tumor analysis of thyroid cancer datasets, maintain such datasets and databases, integrate tools and databases into existing high-throughput pipelines, and facilitate the display and the distribution of processed data.

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.

• Prospective clinical sequencing to guide the care of cancer patients
• Studies of resistance to existing and emerging cancer therapies using patient-derived data
• Studies of patient samples for tumor behavior and clinical outcomes
• Studies of cancer immunotherapies to develop predictors of response
• These projects can be collaborative efforts between the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Broad Institute, and multiple other institutions
• The goals of this initiative consist of analyzing sequencing data to determine the effects of genomic alterations and expression changes on clinical behavior, both retrospectively and prospectively
• These new data could help identify novel approaches for personalized care in oncology. In addition, this data may provide support for new methods in clinical decision-making, biomarkers for rational drug development, and new insights into tumor biology through innovative analyses
• The person hired for this position will join the team in this effort, and will participate in the design and implementation of algorithms to analyze the data and integrate with other data sets including clinical outcomes data
• This person will also help with the generation of tools needed for manipulating and preparing data for display; transferring data to external collaborators and data repositories; and will also help maintain, support, and document shared tools, code base, and data sets
• As the software infrastructure evolves, this position is likely to present diverse and flexible opportunities - from deeper and more complex software design problems, to becoming more involved in the bioinformatic and analytic aspects of predictive modeling

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• A B.S. or M.S. in bioinformatics, mathematical, physical, or computer science, or comparable research experience, together with significant experience in computer programming and computational biological applications.
• A strong background in statistics and biology. Experience managing and curating large datasets and with machine learning techniques desired.
• A background and prior experience in thyroid cancer biology and computational analysis are strongly desired.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to perform both self-directed and guided research are required.
• Must demonstrate outstanding personal initiative and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to meet deadlines and efficiently multitask is a must.
• Ability to effectively collaborate across a range of individuals with different comfort toward computational biology, including oral and written communication skills
• Ability to seek out mentorship and assistance as needed, while also being a mentor to other members of the community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Thyroid cancer biology background
• Experience in Python and/or R is preferred
• Experience with cloud computing
• Experience in thyroid cancer datasets
• Willingness to learn new languages and tools as the field grows

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position will involve co-mentoring of students and faculty joining the group as described above, with opportunities for growth in developing multi-disciplinary teams that are project oriented.

PATIENT CONTACT:

None

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 committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate 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.  

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Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$72,000.00 - $79,100.00