Sr Computational Research Scientist- MA's Lab

Overview

The Ma laboratory in the Department of Computational Biology is seeking an experienced Senior Computational Research Scientist for the Pediatric Cancer Dependency (Ped Dep) project, a collaborative effort between St. Jude, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and the Broad Institute. The role involves analyzing genomics data from over 1,000 pediatric cancer cell models to identify driver alterations, evaluate model representativeness compared to primary tumors, and compare pediatric versus adult cancer driver patterns.

The scientist will develop novel analytical tools, present findings internally and externally, and contribute to manuscripts with the Principal Investigator and team.

• Lead computational research projects with minimal supervision, initiating and executing strategies in collaboration with PI and partners.
• Develop and implement new methods, techniques, and procedures to advance computational research.
• Identify, process, organize, interpret, review, and report relevant data; generate hypotheses and predict implications.
• Direct and monitor data collection activities.
• Present research outcomes internally and externally to multidisciplinary audiences; draft complex manuscripts.
• Provide instruction, guidance, and training to junior staff as needed.
• Perform additional duties assigned to meet departmental and institutional goals.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Training in Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Computer Science, or related fields.

• Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, or PhD with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Publication record of 1–2 first‑author papers with >10 citations or equivalent contributions.
• Substantial expertise in own technical area and advanced research techniques.
• Experience leading complex research studies and training early‑career researchers is preferred.
• Proven performance in a comparable role.

• Strong knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and statistics.
• Expertise in next‑generation sequencing: variant calling, IGV inspection, whole‑genome/exome analysis (mutations, copy number, loss of heterozygosity, structural variation, SNV/Indel), RNA‑seq fusion analysis, and basic quality control of BAM/FASTQ files.
• Variant functional interpretation using data from patient cohorts and genetic principles.
• Programming proficiency in Python, Perl, C/C++, or R.
• Experience with high‑performance computing, bash scripting, and HPC environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint;
  Adobe Illustrator preferred;
  Photoshop not required.

• Experience with long‑read sequencing technologies.
• Knowledge of novel biotechnologies and advanced analytical pipelines.
• Ability to develop high‑throughput analytical tools and manage large datasets efficiently.

Estimated salary range for the Sr Computational Research Scientist role is $104,000 – $186,160 per year.

St. Jude offers a comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off, and access to a high‑performance computing cluster, cloud computing environment, and innovative visualization tools.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No Search Firms. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All resumes submitted by search firms without a valid written agreement will not receive a fee if the candidate is hired.