Computational Research Associate

Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts General Hospital, located in Boston, seeks a Computational Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary team at MGH and Harvard Medical School. The role focuses on cutting-edge genetic epidemiology analyses using large biobank and cohort datasets with implications for precision medicine.

The position offers collaboration with USC and a path to develop advanced computational skills within a world-class research community at MGH, HMS, and the Broad Institute.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in genetic epidemiology, computational biology, bioinformatics, statistics, or a related field.
• Strong programming in R and Python; comfort with Linux/shell scripting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly self-motivated and eager to contribute to scientific research.

Responsibilities

• Conducting gene-environment interaction analyses in large-scale biobank and cohort datasets.
• Harmonizing heterogeneous datasets including socioeconomic and lifestyle covariates and cardiometabolic trait phenotypes.
• Contributing to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and presenting findings at internal group meetings and external conferences.
• Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team spanning computational scientists and clinician-researchers across USC, MGH, HMS, and the Broad Institute.

Skills

R

Python

Communication

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in genetic epidemiology, computational biology, bioinformatics, statistics, or related field

Tools

Linux shell

Terra

DNAnexus

Job description

Site

The General Hospital Corporation

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

Summary: Collaborates with team members to assist in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data sets.

Essential Functions

• Writes and runs basic queries as needed.


• Assists in maintaining existing reporting systems.


• Contributes to presentations to key stakeholders.


• Works with senior analysts to design, maintain, and distribute reports.


• Learn leading practice analysis methodologies.


• Conduct continuous analysis of current performance and accurately forecast data trends.

Position Overview

Dr. Kenneth Westerman is recruiting a Computational Research Associate to join his interdisciplinary research group at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS). The associate will contribute to cutting-edge genetic epidemiology analyses in large biobank and cohort datasets, with implications for precision medicine and cardiometabolic disease prevention.

The position will be co-supervised by Dr. Arun Durvasula at the University of Southern California (USC). This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated early-career researcher to develop advanced computational skills, build a strong publication record, and be a part of a world-class research community at MGH, HMS, and the Broad Institute.

Key Responsibilities

The associate will work with Dr. Westerman to investigate genetic factors modifying the relationship between non-genetic exposures (such as adiposity and age) and cardiometabolic risk factors. Specific responsibilities include:

• Conducting gene-environment interaction analyses in large-scale biobank and cohort datasets


• Harmonizing heterogeneous datasets including socioeconomic and lifestyle covariates and cardiometabolic trait phenotypes


• Contributing to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and presenting findings at internal group meetings and external conferences


• Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team spanning computational scientists and clinician-researchers across USC, MGH, HMS, and the Broad Institute

Beyond this primary focus, there are opportunities to become involved with projects from our broader portfolio including polygenic risk scores, multi-omics analysis, and classical epidemiology in large cohort datasets.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's or master's degree in genetic epidemiology, computational biology, bioinformatics, statistics, or a related field


• Strong programming skills in R and/or Python and comfort with Linux/shell scripting


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Highly self-motivated and driven to contribute to scientific research

Preferred

• Experience with biomedical cloud computing environments (e.g., Terra, DNAnexus) and large-scale genomic datasets (e.g., UK Biobank)


• Experience with genome-wide association studies and gene-environment interaction analysis


• Background and interest in cardiometabolic disease biology

Compensation

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. Salary will be based on experience, beginning at a minimum of $55,000 per year and a maximum of $60,000 per year.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type

Hybrid

Work Location

100 Cambridge Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$53,040.00 - $75,888.80/Annual

Grade

5

At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth.

EEO Statement

1200 The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership \"looks like\" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.