Research Fellow

The laboratories of Dr. Kathleen Burns (https://www.dfhcc.harvard.edu/insider/member-detail/member/kathleen-h-burns-md-phd/) and Dr. Cheng-Zhong Zhang (https://dbmi.hms.harvard.edu/people/cheng-zhong-zhang) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are jointly seeking a computational postdoctoral fellow to study somatic chromosomal rearrangements and retrotransposition. Our laboratories have complementary expertise in computational genomics and experimental biology. We are combining these two approaches to investigate mechanistic connections between somatic chromosomal rearrangements and retrotransposition. The successful candidate will design and perform cutting-edge computational genomic analyses of both human cancers and in vitro experimental models to test different hypotheses relating genome instability and retrotransposition.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Basic qualifications:

The candidate should

• Have a PhD (or MD/PhD) in human genetics, cancer genomics, computational biology, evolutionary biology, or other subjects involving quantitative genomics methods
• Possess deep knowledge of bioinformatic methods for somatic retrotransposition detection and/or chromosomal rearrangement analysis demonstrated by preprints or peer-reviewed publications
• Be proficient with at least one programming language (Java, C/C++, Python, or equivalent) and one scientific computing language (R, Matlab, or equivalent) 
• Have strong interest in cell biology and genetics, and be able to design and carry out computational analyses to address basic biological questions/test biological hypotheses
• Be excited about interactions with experimental colleagues and able to both absorb new information and contribute new ideas
• Show attention to detail in both making and presenting scientific findings

Preferred qualifications:

We especially welcome candidates who have

• Knowledge or experience of single-cell DNA sequencing analysis and/or long-read analysis
• Knowledge or experience of cell biology, molecular biology, chromosome biology
• Experience with data visualization

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.