Scientist I - Computational Biology

Job Description

The Wyss Institute is seeking a computational scientist to join a multi-institute scientific program focused on the development of novel anesthetics. Currently, no anesthetic compound can safely be used in the absence of strict vital sign monitoring and physiological maintenance. There is therefore an unmet need for anesthetics that can be used in situations where medical experts and sophisticated monitoring equipment are not available, such as on the battlefield, in the context of natural disasters, and in remote areas. Our goal is to develop a new class of drugs that can induce general anesthesia without compromising the patient’s vital functions and without requiring an anesthesiologist or life-support and monitoring equipment.

About Us:

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges. For more information discover our technologies, catch up on our recent news, or watch our latest videos.


About You:

You are a collaborative, impact focused problem solver who wants to be a part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating and commercializing novel approaches to global challenges in healthcare. You are an innovative scientist with computational biology expertise and interest in the development of new therapeutics for neurobiology applications. You have experience with RNA-sequencing and proteomics data as well as complex network and statistical models. You adapt easily to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment and enjoy working with diverse groups of people and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change world.


About the Role:

Reporting to the Scientist II, you will support computational therapeutic discovery efforts for a multi-institute scientific program focused on the development of novel anesthetics. You will use existing technologies and develop new approaches in the areas of multi-omics analyses, AI, and complex network-based drug prediction. As a member of the Advanced Technology Team (ATT), you will be exposed to many different technologies ranging from therapeutics and diagnostics to synthetic biology and materials science to identify ambitious solutions to problems of global importance and turn these solutions into new products.

What you'll do:
Develop, use, and evolve computational pipelines, for:
Analysis of RNA-sequencing and proteomics datasets
Computational drug prediction
Drug target discovery from proteomics data and gene network analyses
Support diverse data analysis methods and the use of existing computational tools in the Wyss portfolio.
Engage in existing collaborations with external research groups and cloud computing partners to meet project objectives
Work closely with cross-functional team members to develop hypotheses, interpret data, and advance project goals related to therapeutics development
Present key results to project teams and stakeholders
Contribute to grants, publications, and patent applications
Mentor lab colleagues, including students, technicians, and post-docs and provide project feedback
Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

What you'll need:
A Bachelor's degree is required in biomedical engineering, data science, or related field.
A minimum of 4 years of experience in computational biology. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.
Experience with computer programming, such as R and/or Python. is required.

Desired skills:
Full time post graduate industry experience with a focus on product development is preferred.
M.S. or Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, data science, or related fields is strongly preferred.
Background in drug development and/or neuroscience.
Proficiency in R and Python.
Experience with high performance and/or cloud computing platforms.
Experience working with multi-omics datasets, such as transcriptomics and proteomics.
Experience using SQL and Shiny coding languages is a plus.
Experience developing/applying computational biology and machine learning tools.
Ability to work well independently and to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group (engineers, biologists/physiologists, clinicians).
Experience in the preparation of technical reports, journal articles, and presentations.
Experience in authoring and critically reviewing technical documents, study protocols, and reports related computational biology and/or statistics.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, documentation skills, and attention to detail, with the proven ability to work effectively as a multidisciplinary team member.
Excellent organizational skills, technical writing, record keeping, ability to manage multiple projects, and ability to be nimble and work in a fast-paced environment are crucial.
The successful candidate will be an ambitious self-starter, have a strong work ethic, be able to generate high-quality work under tight deadlines and enjoy working in a fast-paced team environment.

Why you’ll like working with us:

At the Wyss Institute, you’re a member of a supportive, dynamic community that is united by its shared goal of changing the world through groundbreaking technology development and commercialization. We encourage your professional growth and development through mentorship and tuition reimbursement to support continued learning, and more. We also support your physical, financial, and mental well-being through generous time off benefits, gym reimbursements, and other programs offered through Harvard. Our facility is located in a new, state-of-the-art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood, where you have access to multiple amenities including a roof top terrace with stunning views of Boston and proximity to numerous restaurants and cultural attractions. We value an inclusive and diverse workforce, and believe that our differences enrich the work environment for all.