Associate Computational Biologist – Carter Lab

Job ID: 2017-7551
Job date: 2017-06-18
End Date:

Company : Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 

Country :

Role : Research Scientist 


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Job Description:
We are looking for a self-motivated individual who is seeking an entry-level research opportunity - a one-year appointment with the possibility of a one to two-year extension - with an emphasis on training and the acquisition of knowledge and skills. This person will join our highly collaborative and fast-paced team within the Carter Lab at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute / Broad Institute. We are a core part of the recently established center for cancer precision medicine (CCPM).

Research in the Carter lab is focused on elucidating mechanisms of cancer initiation, evolution, and metastasis. We work closely with Boston-area physicians and technological innovators, engaging key collaborations to apply innovative methods to unique collections of tailored cancer-tissues. These collaborations apply cutting edge ‘omics analysis of bulk tissues and single cells derived from pre-neoplastic lesions, primary tumors, and metastatic deposits, along with their stromal and immune micro-environments. We collect data across multiple temporal and anatomical data-points per patient in order to understand cancer heterogeneity at both the genotype and phenotype level. The broad goal of these characterizations is to reverse-engineer key mechanisms involved in cancer transformation and metastasis. Development of innovative statistical analyses on these datasets is a major activity in the Carter lab, often resulting in broadly applied scientific software. We apply Bayesian hierarchical models to simultaneously model the generative biological process and error characteristics of the data generation process to allow robust inference. Current areas of methodology development include robust automated reconstruction of cancer phylogenies from targeted sequencing of bulk tissue, integration of single-cell genotype and phenotype (mRNA) data, and detection of positive selection on cancer phylogenies.

The candidate will support our computational analysis of genomic data generated from cancer patients in order to:

• Assist with the analysis of genomic datasets by applying established analysis tools as well as ad-hoc data analysis.

• Work with medical and biological scientists to interpret biological data and produce publication-quality analysis / figures.

• Extend and enhance existing analysis algorithms, and to evaluate their performance.

In this position:

You can make a difference in cancer research. Dana-Farber is a major cancer treatment center. We are committed to improving patients' outcomes and quality of life.

- You will gain invaluable experience -- This unique research opportunity will give you access to cutting-edge technologies and a vibrant community of biomedical and computational scientists.

- You will be an integral member of a fun and collaborative team. In our lab, everyone is considered a critical member of the team. From research that happens in the lab to social activities outside of lab, everyone collaborates closely and has fun at the same time.

- You will work closely with academic trainees and faculty to analyze datasets; present your work at lab meetings; and contribute directly to research publications. Our goal is to foster a love for research and equip the individual with the experience and skills needed to pursue future career interests. This position is ideally suited for people interested in pursuing MD or PhD programs in 2-3 years.

Qualifications:

BS/BA in a quantitative science or engineering field. Strong interest in computation as documented by coursework and/or work experience. Basic knowledge of biology/genetics is preferred but not necessary, provided that the candidate has a strong desire to learn.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to rapidly learn basic pipelines for cancer genome data analysis

• Desire and willingness to learn, develop, and execute new computational techniques and take on challenging scientific problems in a team environment.

• Works well with others to refine analytical skills, explore novel techniques, and incorporate them into various related but distinct research projects.

• Experience in basic statistical analysis of real datasets is strongly preferred.

• Experience in genetics / genomics / evolution / population genetics is preferred, but not required.

• Experience with Unix is preferred, but not required.

• Experience with R/MATLAB/Python is preferred, but not required.

• Exceptional attention to detail.

• Good organizational skills and critical thinking skills.

• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities; and work independently in response to guidance and direction.


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Additional Info:
Overview:

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to under-served members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

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.

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