Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Computational Biologist

Overview

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute seeks a POSTDOCTORAL COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST FELLOW, under the Collins Genomics Lab to lead pioneering studies of genetic risk for cancer based on large-scale genome sequencing datasets towards the ultimate goal of advancing clinical capabilities for early detection of cancer. As Dr. Collins is deeply embedded in population genomics and cancer genetics research communities throughout the greater Boston area, our research effort includes collaborative work with the faculty members at Dana-Farber, the Broad Institute, and other institutions on cancer risk, risk mitigation, early detection, prevention, patient outcomes, and tumor evolution. The Collins Genomics Lab is an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative laboratory with diverse scientists from various scientific domains leading exciting cancer research.

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.

Responsibilities

The qualified candidate will specifically focus on the analysis of large genomics datasets derived from cancer patients and cancer-free individuals, and will integrate these data alongside other data modalities (e.g., patient outcomes, functional genomics) to enable new clinically relevant discoveries across multiple contexts. A specific focus on statistically rigorous approaches to the analysis of germline genetics in clinical cancer datasets is especially of interest. The candidate will also evaluate and integrate existing tools and databases into high-throughput pipelines, and facilitate the display and the distribution of processed data.

Related projects and responsibilities will include:

• Statistical analyses of large germline genomic datasets to discover new genetic risk factors for a variety of cancers, with a special focus on early-onset and/or aggressive disease

• Studies to integrate germline and somatic genomics to define the influence of inherited genetics on tumor evolution

• Development and application of new computational methods to jointly analyze germline genetics with multi-modal datasets derived from clinically recruited cancer patient populations to improve the interpretation of genomic variants for cancer risk, prevention, and early detection

These projects are 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 germline variation across a broad spectrum of downstream consequences, ranging from molecular/cellular fuctions to clinical patient outcomes , both retrospectively and prospectively. These new data could help identify novel approaches for personalized cancer prevention and improved disease interception 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.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in bioinformatics, genetics, statistics, computer science, or a comparably quantitative discipline (e.g., mathematics, physics), or comparable research experience, together with significant experience in computer programming and computational biological applications.
• A strong background in statistics and biology. Formal training and/or research experience in genomics is preferred. Experience managing and curating large datasets is also 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 vital.
• 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:

• Cancer biology background
• Experience in R and/or Python is preferred
• Experience with Linux-based shell scripting and cloud computing
• Willingness to learn new languages and tools as the field grows

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

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 groups as protected by law .