Associate Computational Biologist

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 67,466; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer research institute located in Boston seeks an Associate Computational Biologist to join a dynamic team focused on developing genomic algorithms. The role involves constructing data processing pipelines, performing data analysis, and contributing to manuscript preparation. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, excellent programming skills (preferred in R and Python), and a solid understanding of statistical methods. A minimum 2-year commitment is required, with professionals encouraged to apply before March 2026.

Qualifications

• Extensive programming ability and strong background in mathematics and statistics.
• Ideally, prior research experience in life sciences, physical sciences, or computational sciences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Build data processing pipelines for statistical analysis and visualization.
• Perform routine data analysis following a detailed manual.
• Monitor, download, and manage data from different sources.
• Assist in manuscript preparation by helping prepare tables and figures.
• Develop timelines for multiple projects and ensure smooth progress.

Skills

Knowledge of UNIX/Linux

Scripting in Python

Statistical programming using R

Strong interpersonal skills

Excellent analytical skills

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Job description

A computationally-oriented team led by Rameen Beroukhim and Simona Dalin at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Broad Institute seeks an associate computational biologist to join in efforts to develop and apply cutting‑edge genomic algorithms and analyses to characterize genomic rearrangements in cancers and normal tissues, and better understand how errors in double strand break (DSB) repair result in these rearrangements.

This individual will contribute to a lively team and wider community of laboratory scientists, computational biologists, cancer geneticists, and software engineers dedicated to discovering and understanding the alterations in the cancer genome and discovering cancer vulnerabilities that could lead to new therapeutics.

We are looking for a person who wants to lead their projects, think independently and make original intellectual contributions. We welcome all levels of input from our ACBs, including input on the conduct of analyses but also on new analyses to conduct and new questions to ask. ACBs in our laboratory regularly present their own work and contribute to the writing of papers and grant applications.

We view an ACB as a mentored training position, with a primary goal being their professional development. Our prior ACBs have successfully pursued a variety of subsequent career directions including obtaining MDs, PhDs, and MD‑PhDs on the paths to careers in both academia and industry.

The ideal candidate will have extensive programming ability and a strong background in mathematics and statistics with a deep interest and background in biology. The candidate is required to have a B.S./B.A. or equivalent, ideally in the life sciences, physical sciences, or computational sciences; prior research in one of these areas (for example, a summer research program or several hours a week in a lab as an undergraduate); a strong background in programming, preferably in R and BASH; knowledge of statistical methods either through coursework or research; and excellent written & verbal communication skills. They must be a self‑starter with excellent problem‑solving, organizational and people skills and be able to collaborate closely with other members of a research team. We prefer the candidate to have exposure to an analytic field such as bioinformatics, computational biology, machine learning, or statistics and experience working in cloud computing and UNIX environments.

A minimum 2 year commitment is required. Ideally we are looking for someone to join our lab before March 2026 but we are also considering applicants who will complete their current degree program in Spring 2026.

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.

• Data Processing Builds data processing pipelines to convert raw data into formats compatible with conventional statistical analysis and visualization under supervision of mentor.
• Data Analysis: Follows a detailed manual to perform routine.
• Data and Software Management: Monitors, downloads, organizes, and manages data from public data repositories or generated by collaborators.
• Manuscript Preparation: Helps prepare tables and figures.
• Research Portfolio Management: Trains to develops timelines and components for multiple routine projects; masters multi-tasking so that complex projects involving many interdisciplinary individuals move forward smoothly.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree required in a STEM field required.

Minimum Experience:

No prior experience required.

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.
• Collaboration: Able to discuss and present results, share ideas accurately and communicate them effectively, both in writing and verbally with supervisory oversight.
• 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)

$60,000 - $67,466

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