Postdoctoral Associate, Computational Biology

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

About the Role

The Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard is seeking a highly motivated computational Postdoctoral Associate to join the Haber Lab and Klarman Cell Observatory. The role focuses on discovering complex cellular processes and structures that underpin airway defense mechanisms against environmental threats. Research utilizes machine learning and genomics to study the immunology of environmental health, particularly physiological mechanisms of lung inflammation and asthma. The position involves using cutting-edge genomics and computational methods to address key research questions.

Key Responsibilities

• Join, lead, and propose projects using computational and systems biology approaches to analyze high-dimensional next-gen sequencing data.
• Analyze datasets derived from human lungs and mouse models of airway injury, inflammation, and regeneration, focusing on the impact of environmental exposures (air pollution, allergens) on lungs.
• Develop new statistical methods and algorithms to mine data for complex cellular communication pathways within the lungs and the local immune system.
• Identify aberrant aspects in disease to discover potential new therapies.
• Collaborate with computational scientists, clinical allergists, pulmonologists, and immunologists to develop new approaches, analyze data, generate hypotheses, and plan experiments.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• PhD or equivalent in computational biology, machine learning, data science, artificial intelligence, computer science, statistics, mathematics, or another quantitative field.
• Candidates with degrees in biological or medical science are welcome if they have a strong background in computational or statistical work.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience presenting and communicating research.
• Excellent problem-solving and quantitative analysis skills.
• Experience developing algorithms and/or conducting statistical analyses with large datasets, particularly genome-wide assays such as RNA-sequencing (Additional Qualification).
• Knowledge of lung biology, immunology, mucosal immunology, biology of allergy, and the impact of environmental conditions on human health (Additional Qualification).

Mentoring

• Regular meetings with Dr. Haber and other faculty at Broad/HSPH, particularly within Harvard University’s Environmental Health and Biostatistics Departments.
• Regular interaction with faculty at Harvard-affiliated Hospitals, including Brigham & Women's Hospital and the Broad Institute.
• Participation in regular group meetings and research team meetings spanning institutes and hospitals throughout the Boston area.