Computational Biologist

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute seeks an Computational Biologist, under Jaclyn LoPiccolo to work as a data scientist on the analysis of germline whole-genome sequencing data of lung cancer patients as part of a large-scale population genetics study of lung cancer, in order to advance our understanding of genetic risk for lung cancer and to advance efforts for clinical cancer prevention.  The current emphasis is on young-onset lung cancer ) and familial lung cancer ). These projects are the culmination of nationwide, remotely enrolling clinical protocols that involve integration of germline WGS and clinicopathologic as well as exposure data collected as part each study.

The qualified candidate will develop and support data processing and analysis tools, create new algorithms for emerging research and clinically oriented needs with an emphasis on whole-genome sequencing, maintain datasets and databases, integrate tools and databases into existing high-throughput pipelines (currently house in Terra/GCP), 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.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Data Processing: Uses existing tools to build data processing pipelines to convert raw data into formats compatible with conventional statistical analysis and visualization. Experience with Google Cloud and Terra platforms preferred.
• Data Analysis: Performs routine analysis for which established tools exist and are considered reliable.  Keep up with the computational biology literature to assure pipelines components are up to date.
• Data and Software Management: Monitors, downloads, organize, and manages data from public data repositories or generated by collaborates. Evaluate published tools and updates pipeline as necessary.
• Tool and Infrastructure Development: Contributes to the generation of tools for manipulating, preparing, and displaying data; transfers data to external collaborators and repositories; and helps maintain, support, and document shared tools, codebases, and datasets. As the software infrastructure evolves, this position will offer diverse and flexible opportunities—from tackling complex software design challenges to becoming more involved in the bioinformatic and analytic aspects of predictive modeling.
• Manuscript Preparation: 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.  
• Research Portfolio Management: Develops timelines and components for multiple routine projects; masters multi-tasking so that complex projects involving many interdisciplinary individuals move forward smoothly.
• Team interactions:  Offers peer-to-peer training for new statisticians in design, analysis, and presentation of results.  It is expected that insight into career growth will be offered to more junior members.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  None

This position may involve peer-to-peer co-mentoring of other members joining the group as described above, with opportunities for growth in developing multi-disciplinary teams that are project oriented.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

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.
• A strong background in statistics and biology. Formal training and/or research experience in genetics is preferred. Experience managing and curating large datasets is also desired.
• Must demonstrate outstanding personal initiative and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to effectively collaborate across a range of individuals with different comfort toward computational biology, including oral and written communication skills

Minimum Experience:

• 1 year with Bachelor's degree or 0 years 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: Knowledge of UNIX/Linux. Familiarity with scripting in Python and statistical programming using R.
• Data analysis Skills: Familiarity with principles of experimental design and the modern data analysis paradigms is required.
• Experience with Terra and/or Google Cloud platforms preferred
• Experience with Linux-based shell scripting and cloud computing
• Collaboration: Able to discuss and present results, share ideas accurately and communicate them effectively, both in writing and verbally. Supports collaborative efforts between the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Broad Institute, and multiple other institutions. The overarching goals include analyzing sequencing data to define the inherited genetic basis for lung cancer predisposition, and to understand how these inherited risk factors influence tumorigenesis, cancer evolution, and patient outcomes—both retrospectively and prospectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and external contacts.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.

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 - $79,100

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