Computational Biologist

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. It has two primary functions:

• 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), to accelerate translation, increase usability, and expand impact across Knight Cancer Institute.
• Implement new analytical workflows, service models, and training approaches within the Cancer Data Science Shared Resource (CDSSR) to meet emerging Knight Cancer Institute needs, including single‑cell and spatial omics applications.

This position will manage timelines and communications necessary for successful progression of Knight data science needs. It 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 operational processes. The role involves development, validation, documentation, and communication of reproducible analysis workflows and custom analytical approaches, and soliciting and disseminating ongoing feedback to improve collaborative relationships.

• 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 the Institute.
• Work closely with BCC and Knight Cancer Institute leadership to prioritize analyses and define scientific and operational needs.
• Implement, validate, and document computational workflows within CDSSR (e.g., single‑cell, spatial omics).
• Create and deliver trainings, user guidance, and onboarding materials that enhance adoption of new workflows and strengthen investigator and staff capability in advanced cancer data science methods.

• 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 a relevant field with training and experience.
• 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.
• Technical proficiency in programming, computational biology, and bioinformatics, and ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, work independently, exercise good judgment, and monitor progress.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain computational concepts and results to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems.
• 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 and experience with omic workflows.
• Experience with cancer‑focused data analysis, translational science, or biomedical research programs in an academic health center or comparable environment.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and advance work through cross‑functional partnerships.
• Knowledge of OHSU RCR, HIPAA, laboratory and general safety education, and RCR for human subjects.

All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions, and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti‑racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.