Director, Statistical Genetics

Scorpion Therapeutics; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

wellbeing support

401(k) and insurance benefits

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics seeks a senior leader to direct computational genetics strategies for causal disease biology and drug target discovery. You will oversee multi-biobank analyses and collaborate with researchers across neuro, immunology, and cardiovascular domains.

The role requires extensive experience in statistical genetics, GWAS methods, and translating genetics to drug discovery. Strong leadership and mentorship are essential for cross-disciplinary projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in statistical genetics or related quantitative field; 8+ years postdoc/industry experience preferred.
• Expertise applying genetics to drug discovery and biological targets.
• Experience with statistical genetics methods: GWAS, exWAS, Mendelian randomization, colocalization, polygenic risk scores.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of computational strategy to infer causal disease mechanisms.
• Lead cross-biobank analyses to identify mechanisms underlying genetic risk factors.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to advance germline genetics discovery across diseases.
• Evaluate datasets for causal human biology and prioritize novel targets.
• Communicate findings and recommend follow-up actions (meetings, publications).

Skills

Statistical genetics

GWAS / exWAS

Mendelian randomization

Colocalization

Education

PhD in statistical genetics or related

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Responsibilities:

• Drive design and implementation of computational strategy to infer causal disease mechanisms using human genetics and other data types (e.g., Mendelian randomization with proteomics, TWAS, colocalization).
• Lead cross-biobank analyses to identify mechanisms underlying genetic risk factors (e.g., LD score regression, eQTL mapping, scRNAseq).
• Coordinate with research stakeholders to facilitate germline genetics discovery in neuro, immunology, and cardiovascular disease.
• Evaluate and prioritize multi-modal, disease-specific datasets for causal human biology.
• Coordinate to nominate, evaluate, and advance novel drug targets.
• Communicate findings and recommend follow-up actions (1:1s, seminars, project meetings, external publications).

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s + 15+ years academic/industry experience; or Master’s + 12+ years; or PhD + 8+ years.
• 6+ years leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in statistical genetics or related computational/quantitative field (with 8+ years postdoc and/or industry experience).
• Experience applying genetics to drug discovery.
• Expertise with statistical genetics methods (GWAS, exWAS, Mendelian randomization, colocalization, polygenic risk scores).
• Advanced R or Python.
• Familiarity with functional genomics.
• Ability to advance multi-disciplinary projects.
• Managerial and mentorship experience.

Benefits (explicitly listed):

• Health coverage (medical, pharmacy, dental, vision);
• wellbeing support;
• 401(k), disability, life and accident insurance, supplemental health, business travel protection, personal liability, identity theft benefit, legal support, survivor support