Scientist, Computational Biology

Scientist, Computational Biology and Genomics

Arena BioWorks, located in Cambridge, MA, is a new biomedical research institute focused on uncovering the mechanisms of human disease to identify opportunities for therapeutic intervention. The institute’s private funding model allows Arena to advance novel therapeutics by forming and supporting biotech companies up to early clinical or Series B stage.

As a computational biologist working in the AI/ML, Data Science, and Data Engineering team in close collaboration with the Disease Models and Mechanisms team, you will focus on analyzing the results of advanced CRISPR-based screening approaches with a goal of deciphering biological functions of genes in the context of disease through mechanistic investigation into gene function and regulatory networks. You will work closely with the Disease Models and Mechanisms team to analyze the results of integrative high-throughput disease-relevant functional assays to identify therapeutic targets and assess physiologically relevant target engagement. You will be expected to develop and apply new computational and statistical methods to analyze and interpret data from functional genomics and other types of high-throughput screens. The successful analysis and interpretation of functional genomics experiments will have broad applications in biomedical research and in the development of novel therapeutics for human diseases.

The qualifying candidate is expected to thrive in a multidisciplinary and highly collaborative environment. The desired candidate is enthusiastic about developing and implementing analysis tools for high-throughput platforms with a goal of addressing outstanding biological questions and generating meaningful insights into human disease. They also strongly value collaborating with scientists across teams and scientific areas and enjoy continuously learning from the expertise of their peers and colleagues.

Responsibilities:

• Investigate, evaluate, create, and implement data-analysis approaches for high-throughput screening applications including CRISPR screening platforms employing high-dimensional functional assays such as perturb-seq, high-content cell imaging, flow cytometry, single-cell omics, and other technologies.
• Identify and develop computational strategies to design custom sgRNA libraries for new types of CRISPR modalities.
• Analyze genomics data (e.g., single-cell and bulk RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, multiomics) using a scientific programming language such as R, Matlab/Octave, or Python.
• Work closely with a wide range of laboratory members, including assisting with and providing input on experimental study design to ensure compatibility with computational analysis and statistical considerations.
• Consult with scientists across teams to identify appropriate analysis strategies.
• Train and enable bench scientists to analyze and evaluate results of their high-throughput analyses when appropriate.
• Document code and communicate findings to cross-functional scientific teams and to the broader scientific community through written data reports, publications, and internal and external research presentations.

Qualifications:

• Degree in biological science, computational science, or related field with a demonstrated record of productivity; Ph.D. or M.S. preferred but equivalent experience levels considered.
• 3+ years of experience in a research-related field.
• Working knowledge in CRISPR genome editing and functional genomics including large-scale CRISPR screens.
• Thorough understanding of statistical methods for analyzing high-dimensional data.
• Experience analyzing genomics and high-content screening data using a high-level programming language.
• Interest in learning and troubleshooting new computational methods.
• Experience using platforms for reproducible data analysis and collaboration, e.g., GitHub.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member, including to supervise and train junior associates.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across organizational and functional boundaries.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, both scientifically and in the ability to prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) and laboratory information-management systems (LIMS).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills demonstrated by publication of research papers and presentations.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on innovative scientific projects.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.