Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Dries Lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to build novel computational methods for spatial omics and help drive the development of spatial data analysis software, specifically within Giotto Suite. This is a dynamic role designed for a researcher with a strong capacity for multi-tasking and project management. You will be working in an environment that integrates both wet and dry lab approaches. The successful candidate will play a critical part in pushing collaborative projects across the finish line while actively helping in supervising and mentoring trainees in the lab.

Positioned at the cutting edge of computational biology, this role involves designing robust analytical pipelines, interpreting complex and large-scale spatial datasets, and contributing to high-impact scientific publications. While project execution is key there are ample opportunities to explore and develop your own innovative research ideas.

Job Responsibilities:

• Data Analysis: Performs advanced analyses of large-scale and 3D spatial datasets to evaluate research questions and generate biological insights.
• Software & Method Development: Contributes to the design, implementation, and expansion of spatial data analysis software (focusing on the Giotto Suite). Develops and troubleshoots novel computational methodologies and analytical pipelines.
• Project Management: Manages and executes collaborative projects and ensures that research objectives, data analyses and publication milestones are met efficiently.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Actively supervises, guides, and advises students and junior lab members on method development, coding best practices, and data interpretation.
• Scientific Communication: Writes and prepares manuscripts in conjunction with the principal investigator and collaborators. Presents research findings at local and international scientific meetings.
• Continuous Innovation & Independent Research: Conducts independent literature and technology searches to identify and integrate new techniques (e.g., image analysis, new omics platforms) into the lab's analytical repertoire, while actively exploring your own scientific questions.
• Performs other tasks as needed.

Job Requirements

Education:

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications (Considered a Strong Plus)

• Expertise in spatial multi-omics data analysis and technologies.
• Advanced experience with image analysis techniques.
• Familiarity or hands-on experience with generative AI and its application to biological datasets.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong programming and software engineering skills required (e.g., R, Rust, Python, SQL, and/or C++).
• Demonstrated publication record with evidence of successfully completing projects and publishing impactful scientific papers required.
• Strong organizational skills with a proven ability to multi-task, prioritize workflows, and drive collaborative projects to completion.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong desire to mentor junior researchers.
• We highly value a collaborative spirit, and the ideal candidate must be a strong team player and a great fit for our multidisciplinary group.

About the Department:

As the primary teaching hospital for Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and BU schools of public health and dentistry, intellectual rigor shapes our inquiries. Our research is led by a belief that skin color, zip code, and financial circumstances shouldn’t dictate health.

Compensation Range: $66,000.00- $96,000.00