Computational Research Assistant I, Neurosurgery

GENERAL OVERVIEW

A team of translational researchers led by Dr. Wenya Linda Bi from the Department of Neurosurgery at Brigham & Women's Hospital seeks a computational research assistant in the study of brain and skull base tumors. The key focus of this role is to apply computational methods and novel genomic technologies to integrate biological, radiological, and clinical data streams to develop novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. The research assistant will learn computational methods to assess large datasets of patient data, predict response to treatment, and explore biologically generated hypotheses.

Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, and in accordance with established hospital procedures, the Research Assistant will conduct a variety of computational and human subject related tasks for novel genomic technologies to determine optimal treatment strategies for patients with brain cancers. The ultimate aim of these efforts will be to comprehensively characterize the genomic and immune microenvironment of brain tumors. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented in organizational skills, comfortable in a team environment, highly self-motivated, and enthusiastic about scientific discovery and academic growth.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

The research assistant is primarily responsible for the following activities for their assigned duties:

• Assist with data analysis of large high-throughput datasets, for which a strong interest and background in computational and/or statistical analysis is a plus.
• Develop models for exploration of biological pathways and immune modulation
• Develop, organize, and/or maintain a study database for study subjects, including relevant clinical, molecular, and computational data.
• Track brain tumor patients across surgical dates and post-operative clinic visits across multiple clinical departments (Neurosurgery, Neuro-Oncology, Radiation Oncology).
• Ensure compliance with the institutional IRB, and guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

NOTE: This position is funded 100% from research/grant funding.and is expected to last 2+ years, but subject to terminataion if research funding expires.

• A Bachelor's Degree is required, preferably in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or similar area.
• Prior experience or coursework in computational biology, computer science, statistics, deep learning algorithms, genetics, or biology is helpful.
• The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented in organizational skills, comfortable in a team environment, enthusiastic about scientific discovery, and highly self-motivated.