Data Scientist Infectious Disease

Tufts University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 106,100 - 159,100; Full time

Job summary

Tufts University in Boston seeks a seasoned computational biologist to lead quantitative research in microbial biology. The role focuses on data analysis strategy, ML model development, and collaboration with experimental and computational team members.

The candidate will develop and apply novel quantitative methods, contribute to peer‑reviewed publications, and provide mentoring to graduate students and lab colleagues. Strong publication history and NIH/NSF grant experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with strong computational biology background and quantitative focus.
• 5+ years of research in computational biology or related field; experience with ML and image analysis.
• Proficiency in Python, R, or MATLAB and in ML frameworks and modeling of large datasets.
• Strong publication record in computational biology, infectious disease, or microbiology.

Responsibilities

• Design, organize, and carry out scientific research in a quantitative, multidisciplinary lab.
• Collaborate with PI and lab members on data analysis strategy and method development.
• Lead data analysis projects, including image analysis pipelines and ML models.
• Contribute to manuscripts and grant applications; mentor graduate students and lab members.
• Present research findings in papers, talks, and grant proposals.

Skills

Python

R

MATLAB

Machine learning

Statistical modeling

Image analysis

Computational biology

Data analysis

Mentoring

Education

Master's Degree

PhD

Tools

Python

R

MATLAB

Job description

Overview

The faculty in MBM are united by a common interest in the biology of microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) and the effects of microbes on human and animal hosts. The microbial pathogens program studies microorganisms that cause infectious diseases, with emphasis on rigorous analysis of these pathogens and the immune responses that restrict them. Program investigators direct detailed studies of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi and eukaryotic parasites. Research topics include structural analysis of virus entry, viral evolution, viral oncogenes, intracellular bacterial pathogens, microorganisms that cause diarrhea and pneumonia, intracellular signaling, pathogen adhesion, genetic determinants involved in susceptibility to infection, vaccine development, and identification of novel antimicrobial agents.

What You'll Do

Designs, organizes, and carries out computational and data science research in a highly quantitative, multidisciplinary research laboratory focused on tuberculosis and bacterial biology and combination therapy design. Works collaboratively with the PI and other lab members on data analysis strategy, computational method development, and problem-solving across lab projects. Collaborates with experimental and computational lab members to develop and apply novel quantitative methods, including image analysis pipelines, machine learning models, and statistical methods for analyzing single-cell and drug combination data. Works with the PI to lead and review data analysis projects, including quantitative image analysis, computational modeling of bacterial cell biology, and analysis of drug combination datasets. Develops and implements novel computational and statistical methods tailored to the lab's research questions. Contributes original research published in peer-reviewed journals and works collaboratively with lab members to develop, edit, and submit manuscripts. Participates in project design and written and visual communication of lab projects for presentations, papers, and grant applications. Participates in teaching, research, and mentoring, including providing guidance to graduate students and labmates.

Research in the lab is highly multidisciplinary and quantitative, requiring expertise in computational modeling, quantitative image analysis, statistical learning, and the application of AI/ML algorithms to biological data (e.g., single-cell imaging data, high-throughput drug combination data). We are looking for someone who will take ownership of computational strategy and push these methods forward. Opportunities also exist for candidates who wish to engage in wet lab and/or BSL‑3 experimental work, though prior experimental experience is not required.

• Design, organize, and carry out scientific research studies.
• Participate in teaching, research, and mentoring including providing research guidance.
• Develop projects and plans to implement new scientific methods.
• Contribute original research published in peer-reviewed journals.
• Technical scientific consultant on a specific phase of a more complex scientific study.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements: Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Master's Degree
• 5 years of research experience in computational biology, bioinformatics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related quantitative field, with demonstrated expertise in machine learning, AI methods, statistical modeling, or quantitative image analysis applied to biological or biomedical data
• MS with 10 years experience
• Demonstrated expertise in computational biology or a related quantitative discipline, including proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB, and experience with machine learning frameworks, image analysis pipelines, or statistical modeling of large biological datasets.
• Strong publication record including first- or senior-author papers in peer-reviewed journals in computational biology, infectious disease, microbiology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated independence and initiative as a research scientist; experience contributing to or leading grant applications to NIH, NSF, or other peer-reviewed funding agencies is highly desirable.
• Experience mentoring and training undergraduate students, graduate students, and/or postdoctoral researchers in computational methods and scientific research practices; comfortable explaining quantitative work to experimentalists and biologists.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD

Pay Range

Minimum $106,100.00, Midpoint $132,600.00, Maximum $159,100.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.