The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute seeks a POSTDOCTORAL COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST FELLOW, under the Collins Genomics Lab to lead pioneering studies of genetic risk for cancer based on large-scale genome sequencing datasets towards the ultimate goal of advancing clinical capabilities for early detection of cancer. As Dr. Collins is deeply embedded in population genomics and cancer genetics research communities throughout the greater Boston area, our research effort includes collaborative work with the faculty members at Dana-Farber, the Broad Institute, and other institutions on cancer risk, risk mitigation, early detection, prevention, patient outcomes, and tumor evolution. The Collins Genomics Lab is an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative laboratory with diverse scientists from various scientific domains leading exciting cancer research.
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
The qualified candidate will specifically focus on the analysis of large genomics datasets derived from cancer patients and cancer-free individuals, and will integrate these data alongside other data modalities (e.g., patient outcomes, functional genomics) to enable new clinically relevant discoveries across multiple contexts. A specific focus on statistically rigorous approaches to the analysis of germline genetics in clinical cancer datasets is especially of interest. The candidate will also evaluate and integrate existing tools and databases into high-throughput pipelines, and facilitate the display and the distribution of processed data.
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Related projects and responsibilities will include:
These projects are collaborative efforts between the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Broad Institute, and multiple other institutions. The goals of this initiative consist of analyzing sequencing data to determine the effects of germline variation across a broad spectrum of downstream consequences, ranging from molecular/cellular fuctions to clinical patient outcomes , both retrospectively and prospectively. These new data could help identify novel approaches for personalized cancer prevention and improved disease interception in oncology. In addition, this data may provide support for new methods in clinical decision-making, biomarkers for rational drug development, and new insights into tumor biology through innovative analyses.
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The person hired for this position will join the team in this effort, and will participate in the design and implementation of algorithms to analyze the data and integrate with other data sets including clinical outcomes data. This person will also help with the generation of tools needed for manipulating and preparing data for display; transferring data to external collaborators and data repositories; and will also help maintain, support, and document shared tools, code base, and data sets. As the software infrastructure evolves, this position is likely to present diverse and flexible opportunities - from deeper and more complex software design problems, to becoming more involved in the bioinformatic and analytic aspects of predictive modeling.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position will involve co-mentoring of students and other researchers joining the group as described above, with opportunities for growth in developing multi-disciplinary teams that are project oriented.
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At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.
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Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.
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