Computational Biologist, Cellularization

About Us

We are the first publicly-traded biotech or pharmaceutical company to take the form of a public benefit corporation. Our public benefit purpose is to provide a brighter future for patients through the development of novel pharmaceutical therapies and technologies that expand the availability of transplantable organs. United Therapeutics (Nasdaq: UTHR) seeks to develop treatments for rare, deadly diseases. Founded in 1996 by a family seeking a cure for their daughter’s pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), we now have six FDA-approved therapies treating PAH, pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD), and neuroblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer. Our near-term pipeline focuses on additional therapies for PAH and pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

The cure for end-stage life-threatening diseases like PAH, PH-ILD, PF, and others is an organ transplant, but only a small percentage of donated organs are available. We are working to create manufactured organs to address the shortage of kidneys, hearts, lungs, and livers, aiming to eliminate the transplant waiting list and cure end-stage organ diseases.

About the Role

As a Computational Biologist, Cellularization, you'll work at the intersection of biology, mathematics, engineering, and simulation to develop computational models guiding the future of regenerative medicine. From modeling how cells grow, migrate, and interact within 3D-printed lung scaffolds to partnering with experimental scientists, you'll transform complex biological questions into predictive insights. This role supports the Computational Lab for In Silico Molecular Biology (CLIMB), which is building a computational model of the lung to enable in silico design and testing of lung disease therapies and manufactured organs.

Responsibilities

• Develop mathematical models of cellular processes in the lung, including cell division, migration, and adhesion, modulated by mechanical and chemical environments, based on published models and in-house extensions to analyze experimental data.
• Establish an iterative cycle of experimental design based on hypotheses generated by mathematical models to assist in developing new cellularization approaches.
• Implement procedures for model qualification to evaluate the impact of uncertainty and variability on model output and consequent experimental design.
• Collaborate with other computational biologists and engineers to integrate cell-based models into large multiscale models spanning processes from organ to molecular levels.
• Partner with internal and external labs to understand the needs of experimental scientists and coordinate the generation of experimental data for model training and validation.
• Communicate results effectively through interactive visualizations, presentations at internal and external meetings, and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in biomedical engineering, computational biology, applied mathematics, or a related field of study and 6+ years of industry experience developing computational models of biological systems or 2+ years of industry experience with a PhD.
• Postdoctoral experience at a pharmaceutical/biotech company is acceptable.
• Expertise in one or more modeling frameworks for cell-level behavior (e.g., agent-based models, cellular Potts models).
• Expertise in numerical methods relevant to modeling and simulation, including solving systems of ordinary and/or partial differential equations, optimization, and Monte Carlo methods.
• Fluency in one or more scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Julia).
• Experience with cell-based modeling and simulation software packages (e.g., Morpheus, CompuCell3D).
• Knowledge of molecular and cellular biology and drug development.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences, demonstrated by a record of presentations and publications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in biomedical engineering, computational biology, applied mathematics, or a related field of study.
• Familiarity with quantitative systems pharmacology and other applications of modeling and simulation within pharmaceutical drug discovery and development.
• Skilled in statistical and machine learning methods.
• Knowledge of pulmonary physiology.

Location

This role is based on our Silver Spring campus at least 4 days a week.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $127,500.00 - $150,000.00. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and business needs.

Benefits

Eligible employees may participate in the Company’s comprehensive benefits suite, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Employee wellness resources.
• Savings plans (401k and ESPP).
• Paid time off and paid parental leave benefits.
• Disability benefits.

For additional information, visit United Therapeutics Benefits and Amenities.