Computational Biologist

Department Overview

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. Driven by its mission to end cancer as we know it, the institute is building upon its expertise in targeted treatments to advance the early detection of cancer when the disease is most treatable.

This position serves as a scientific and operational partner supporting the analysis, interpretation, and translation of complex cancer research datasets across Knight Cancer Institute programs. This position will have two primary functions:

• To lead analysis and mining of critical datasets associated with Knight Cancer Institute strategic initiatives, including resources generated through the Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care (BCC), in order to accelerate translation, increase usability, and expand impact across Knight Cancer Institute;
• To implement new analytical workflows, service models, and training approaches within the Cancer Data Science Shared Resource (CDSSR) to ensure emerging Knight Cancer Institute needs are met, including single-cell and spatial omics applications.

This position will be responsible for managing timelines and communications needed for successful progression of Knight data science needs. This role acts as a key interface between Knight Cancer Institute scientists, shared resource staff, and Knight Cancer Institute leadership, translating scientific priorities into scalable computational solutions and practical operational processes. Work is guided through regular engagement with BCC, Knight Cancer Institute, CDSSR and other leadership and is expected to include development, validation, documentation, and communication of reproducible analysis workflows and custom analytical approaches.

This position will engage stakeholders and is responsible for soliciting and disseminating ongoing feedback to positively impact the direction and quality of collaborative relationships.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead analysis and mining of high-value cancer research datasets (including BCC and other critical Knight Cancer Institute datasets) to improve translational relevance, usability, and impact across Knight Cancer Institute
• Work closely with BCC and Knight Cancer Institute leadership among others to prioritize analyses, and define scientific and operational needs
• Implement, validate and document computational workflows within the Cancer Data Science Shared Resource (e.g., single-cell, spatial omics, etc).
• Create and deliver trainings, user guidance, and onboarding materials that improve adoption of new workflows and strengthen investigator and staff capability in advanced cancer data science methods

Education and experience:

PhD in Computational Biology, or a related field; OR

Master s Degree in Computational Biology or related field AND 6 years of relevant experience; OR

Equivalent combination of Bachelor s in relevant field in conjunction with training and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to analyze complex biological or biomedical datasets and translate findings into usable outputs for research or translational teams
• Ability to develop, implement, and document reproducible computational workflows or analytical pipelines in a collaborative scientific environment
• Ability to work directly with investigators, experimental scientists, shared resources, or research leadership to gather requirements and interpret analysis results
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern computational methods relevant to cancer data science, including high-dimensional omics data analysis
• Must be technically proficient in programming, computational biology and bioinformatics
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, work independently, use good judgment and monitor completion of project tasks
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain computational concepts and results to technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
• Must possess energy and drive to prioritize and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships

• Degrees in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Genomics preferred
• PhD with direct focus on computational biology with experience omic workflows
• Experience with cancer-focused data analysis, translational science, or biomedical research programs in an academic health center, cancer center, or comparable environment
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and advance work through cross-functional partnerships
• OHSU RCR, HIPAA and respect, laboratory and general safety education. RCR for Human subjects.

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