Tech Staff - Computational Biologist

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 145,200 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and?视??

MIT‑funded pension

Matching 401K

Paid leave (vacation, sick, parental,军

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated biologist with expertise in computational biology, data science, and biodefense to advance national security research efforts in Lexington, MA.

The role focuses on analyzing complex biological datasets, applying state-of-the-art AI/ML methods, and designing experiments to validate findings, working within a multidisciplinary team. A PhD or equivalent experience is required, with strong programming skills and communication abilities.

Qualifications

• PhD or Computer Science with biology experience.
• Proficiency in Python, R, or similar for bioinformatics.
• Experience with AI/ML approaches for biological data analysis.
• Strong problem-solving and independent collaboration abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to apply systems-level thinking to biodefense solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects analyzing complex biological datasets (NGS, metagenomics).
• Apply AI/ML tools to multiomics, immunology, and microbiome research questions.
• Design laboratory experiments to generate and validate data.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team on biodefense challenges.

Skills

Python

R

Bioinformatics

Computational Biology

Machine Learning

Systems thinking

Education

PhD in Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, or related field

Tools

HPC

Job description

Date: Jun 19, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Job Summary

The Counter‑WMD Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated and multidisciplinary biologist to support research and development efforts focused on national security challenges. We are looking for an individual with expertise in computational biology, data science, and biodefense, who can contribute to our mission of developing advanced technologies to counter weapons of mass destruction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects involving the analysis of complex biological datasets, including next‑generation sequencing and metagenomic data.
• Apply state‑of‑the‑art computational tools and algorithms, including machine learning and AI models, to biological questions related to multiomics, immunology, and microbiome research.
• Design laboratory experiments to generate and validate biological data.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to solve broad and challenging problems in biodefense.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or a Computer Science degree with extensive biology experience.
• Expertise in computational biology and bioinformatics, with proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or similar.
• Experience with state‑of‑the‑art AI and machine learning approaches for biological data analysis.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently and in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to apply systems‑level thinking to holistic biodefense solutions.

Desired Qualifications

• High‑performance computing and data analytics.
• Biosurveillance (e.g., epidemiology, physiological monitoring, environmental sampling).
• Medical countermeasure / pharmaceutical development.
• Experience with genetic and/or protein language models.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level DoD security clearance.

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 - $170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 - $220,000

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including‑but not limited to‑the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT‑funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work‑life balance options
• ... and much more!

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre‑employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.