Postdoctoral Research Fellow - George/Janeway Lab

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute • Boston, MA

21h • $72,000 - $76,385

About The Position

The DFCI-based labs of Dr. Katherine Janeway and Dr. Suzanne George, in collaboration with the Getz Lab at the Broad Institute, is searching for an experienced computational biology postdoc with additional experience and interest in cancer biology. Our labs are currently collaborating on projects associated with the Cancer Moonshot funded Participant-Engagement Cancer Genomic Sequencing Network, particularly on the rare cancers osteosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma, and we aim to gain new insights into the genomics of these rare cancers, including treatment resistance.

This particular 2-year-long postdoc role will focus on the genomic analysis primarily in leiomyosarcoma to identify unique genomic factors which impact oncogenesis, prognosis and response to treatment. The candidate will work on various genomic analyses across various data types such as whole-genome sequencing (WGS), whole-exome sequencing (WES), RNA sequencing, spatial data, etc, and will also include rich clinical annotation to explore the clinical implications of genomic findings. The analysis could include (but is not limited to) cancer driver discovery through genomic alteration analysis (e.g., structural variants), and spatial analysis.

We are seeking a highly motivated, creative, and talented researcher to dive right in and hit the ground running within the high-energy, fast-paced, and dynamic lab environments that value clinical impact and scientific rigor. Dr. Janeway, Dr. George, and Dr. Getz all place a high priority on mentoring postdoctoral trainees to work toward achieving their career paths and goals. Their labs, as well as the environments at the DFCI, the Broad Institute, and MGH, provide frequent and varied educational and skill-building opportunities.

About our labs:
The Janeway Lab at DFCI is a dry lab headed by Dr. Katherine Janeway, Pediatric Oncology Section Chief. The lab performs research at the intersection of pediatric cancer patient care and genomics. We are interested in expanding the clinical impact of genomic discoveries, especially for children with solid tumors, with a specific focus on bone sarcomas. Because the cancers we study are rare, we use various approaches to build cohorts for genomic discovery including partnering directly with patients, building consortia, enterprise-level studies and data sharing.

The Sarcoma Center at DFCI led by Dr. Suzanne George is an internationally known multi-disciplinary program focused on clinical care and research to improve the lives of patients with sarcomas. Working across clinical and translational teams, the group has led the development of the majority of FDA drug approvals which have changed the standard of care in sarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The team pioneered the early development of targeted therapies in sarcomas and has led the understanding of subsequent resistance mechanisms and lines of therapy. The Sarcoma Center continues to work closely with basic and translational labs across the world to better understand sarcoma biology and translate these findings into novel clinical approaches.

The Getz Lab (at the Broad Institute and MGH), led by Dr. Gad Getz, is a world-leading laboratory for cancer genome analysis. We develop highly innovative, robust, and widely-used computational methods to study the molecular basis of cancer, including genomic alterations that drive primary and resistant tumors, cell-of-origin, premalignant lesions, mutational processes, activity of different pathways, and microenvironmental changes. We then follow up key findings experimentally. While the comprehensive analysis of cancer genomes is ongoing, major barriers still exist in converting this information to patient benefit and achieving the goal of personalized medicine.
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.
Our ideal postdoc candidate:
As a member of our teams, you will collaborate with other scientists, engineers, and clinicians with an emphasis on intellectual rigor. Indeed, our collective brainpower and creativity––our best asset––creates an excellent environment for deep innovation, out-of-the-box thinking, and creative problem solving. We will teach you what you do not yet know through mentoring, peer support, and many educational opportunities (e.g., floor talks, regular meetings, boot camps, journal clubs, conferences, etc.), and we will work together to make discoveries that help answer the most challenging questions in cancer. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in rare cancers, which may require unique computational approaches due to small data sets, and also have an interest in the clinical translation of new findings. The candidate will have access to a robust clinical translational team, heavily involved in rare tumor drug development from early stage through registration enabling clinical trials. Of note, this postdoctoral position is for a defined term of 2 years from the date of hire.
The successful experienced Postdoc candidate will bring strong computational and statistical skills (e.g., a background in Computational Biology, Biology, Machine Learning, Statistics, Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or other related fields) coupled with direct experience in computational research, as well as a healthy enthusiasm for learning on the job. In return, you will develop many core competencies to prepare you for the next stages of your career. Come and bring your energy, intellectual curiosity, and computational skills/talents to these world-class dynamic teams!

Requirements

• A PhD in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related quantitative discipline with 2-3 years of postdoc experience in biologically focused research, with a preference on genomic analysis of cancer.
• Fast learner, analytical thinker, creative, "hands-on", team-player.
• Experience with computational analysis, algorithm development and statistics.
• Proficiency in at least one modern programming language. Experience with a scientific programming environment (such as Python, R, or Matlab) is preferred.
• Strong communication skills.
• Background in machine learning or biology is a plus.
• Knowledge of cancer genomics is a plus but is NOT required. Inclination to acquire such knowledge is imperative.

Responsibilities

• Play a lead role in designing and executing data analysis strategies to support research projects involving multiple data types.
• Explore and develop tools for analyzing novel data types.
• Develop new methodologies for integrating data and predicting tumor outcome, subtypes, molecular mechanisms, and response to therapy.
• Conceive, implement and test statistical models; analyze data from experiments.
• Present results to a variety of audiences, including non-computational researchers.
• Prepare written reports (e.g., manuscripts, grants, patents) and presentations for meetings.
• Opportunity to teach and mentor junior team members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree