Computational Biologist, Cellularization

United Therapeutics Corporation; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

United Therapeutics Corporation in Silver Spring seeks a Computational Biologist, Cellularization, to develop multiscale lung models guiding organ engineering. You will translate cellular processes into predictive simulations for 3D-printed lung scaffolds and collaborate with experimentalists.

Ideal candidates hold a Master's in a related field with 6+ years of modeling experience, strong coding skills in Python/R/Julia, and familiarity with Morpheus or CompuCell3D.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field and 6+ years of modeling experience.
• Expertise in cell-level modeling frameworks.
• Fluency in Python, R or Julia.
• Experience with Morpheus or CompuCell3D.
• Strong communication and publication record.

Responsibilities

• Develop mathematical and computational models of cellular processes in the lung.
• Establish iterative experimental design based on model predictions.
• Implement procedures to qualify models and assess uncertainty.
• Collaborate with other computational biologists and engineers on multiscale models.
• Coordinate with internal/external labs for experimental data.
• Communicate results via visualizations and presentations; publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Python

R

Julia

Numerical methods

Communication

Education

Master's degree in biomedical engineering, computational biology, applied mathematics, or related field

PhD preferred

Tools

Morpheus

CompuCell3D

Matlab

Job description

California, US residents click here.

The job details are as follows:

Who We Are

We are the first publicly-traded biotech or pharmaceutical company to take the form of a public benefit corporation. Our public benefit purpose is to provide a brighter future for patients through the development of novel pharmaceutical therapies; and technologies that expand the availability of transplantable organs.

United Therapeutics (Nasdaq: UTHR) seeks to travel down the corridors of indifference to develop treatments for rare, deadly diseases. We were founded in 1996 by a family seeking a cure for their daughter's pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Today, we have six FDA-approved therapies that treat PAH, pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) and neuroblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer. Our near-term pipeline seeks to develop additional therapies for PAH and pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

The cure for end-stage life-threatening diseases like PAH, PH-ILD, PF, and many others is an organ transplant, but only a small percentage of donated organs are available to address the vast need. For this reason, we are working to create manufactured organs to address the shortage of kidneys, hearts, lungs, and livers available for transplant. We believe an unlimited supply of tolerable, transplantable organs will eliminate the transplant waiting list and cure end-stage organ diseases for which transplant is not currently an option.

Who You Are

What if you could build a virtual lung before helping build a real one? As a Computational Biologist, Cellularization, you'll work at the intersection of biology, mathematics, engineering, and simulation to develop computational models that help guide the future of regenerative medicine. From modeling how cells grow, migrate, and interact within 3D-printed lung scaffolds to partnering with experimental scientists to test new ideas, you'll transform complex biological questions into predictive insights. If you're energized by solving challenging problems, blending code with science, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in organ engineering, this is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of transplantation, one model at a time.

The Computational Lab for In Silico Molecular Biology (CLIMB) is building a computational model of the lung to enable in silico design and testing of lung disease therapies and manufactured organs. As part of this effort to develop an integrative multiscale lung model, the Computational Biologist, Cellularization will apply various mechanistic modeling techniques to simulate molecular and cellular processes.

• Develop mathematical models of cellular processes in the lung, including but not limited to cell division, migration, and adhesion, with modulation by the mechanical and chemical environment based on published models and extensions developed in-house to analyze experimental data from cellularization of 3D-printed scaffolds with endothelial, epithelial, and other cell types
• Establish iterative cycle of experimental design based on hypotheses generated by mathematical models to assist with development of new cellularization approaches
• Implement procedures for model qualification to evaluate impact of uncertainty and variability on model output and consequent impact on experimental design
• Collaborate with other computational biologists and engineers to integrate cell-based models into large multiscale models spanning processes from organ to molecular level
• Partner with internal and external labs to better understand the needs of experimental scientists and coordinate the generation of experimental data for model training/validation
• Communicate results effectively through interactive visualizations and presentations at internal and external meetings and publishing in peer-reviewed journals
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

• Master's Degree in biomedical engineering, computational biology, applied mathematics, or related field of study and 6+ years of industry experience developing computational models of biological systems with a master's degree OR 2+ years of industry experience developing computational models of biological systems with a PhD. Postdoctoral experience at a pharmaceutical/biotech company is acceptable
• Expertise in one or more modeling frameworks for cell-level behavior (e.g. agent-based models, cellular Potts models, etc.)
• Expertise in numerical methods relevant to modeling and simulation, including solving systems of ordinary and/or partial differential equations, optimization, Monte Carlo methods
• Fluency in one or more scientific programming languages (e.g. Python, R, Julia)
• Experience with cell-based modeling and simulation software packages (e.g. Morpheus, CompuCell3D)
• Knowledge of molecular and cellular biology and drug development
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences as demonstrated by record of presentations and publications

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in biomedical engineering, computational biology, applied mathematics, or related field of study
• Familiarity with quantitative systems pharmacology and other applications of modeling and simulation within pharmaceutical drug discovery and development
• Skilled in statistical and machine learning methods
• Knowledge of pulmonary physiology

Job Location

This role is based on our Silver Spring campus atleast 4 days a week.

The salary range for this position is $X127,500.00 - $Y150,000.00 and reflects our good-faith estimate of the compensation for this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and business needs, as well as other factors permitted by law at the time of posting. This range may be modified in the future based on company and market factors.

At United Therapeutics, you'll realize quickly that it is not an ordinary place to work! When you join our company, you will learn, grow, contribute, have fun, and be challenged... all while making a difference in the lives of our patients.

Eligible employees may participate in the Company’s comprehensive benefits suite of programs, including medical / dental / vision / prescription coverage, employee wellness resources, savings plans (401k and ESPP), paid time off & paid parental leave benefits, disability benefits, and more. For additional information on Company benefits, please visit https://www.unither.com/careers/benefits-and-amenities

United Therapeutics Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.