Postdoctoral Associate - Computational Biology

About the role

The Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard is seeking a highly motivated computational Postdoctoral Associate to join the Haber Lab and Klarman Cell Observatory to discover the complex cellular processes and structures that underlie our airways’ ability to defend themselves from the wide range of threats in the air around us. Our interdisciplinary research group uses machine learning and genomics to study the immunology of environmental health and particularly physiological mechanisms of lung inflammation and asthma. We use cutting‑edge genomics and computational methods to answer major questions in the field: how do the airways of the lungs detect danger signals, such as allergens, viruses, or toxins, and trigger an immune response? Which are the most important types of ‘sentinel cells’ that are on the lookout for danger in inhaled air, and able to coordinate an effective defense? Prospective applicants should have made significant contributions to their area of study, as evidenced by a strong publication record. We are seeking creative and highly motivated individuals who want to work in a dynamic, multi‑disciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Join, lead, and propose projects that use computational and systems biology approaches to analyze high‑dimensional next‑generation sequencing data derived from human lung samples and mouse models of airway injury, inflammation, and regeneration, aiming to examine the impact of environmental exposures (particularly air pollution and allergens) on the lungs.
• Develop new statistical methods and algorithms to mine these data to map out complex pathways of cellular communication between the lungs and the local immune system, defining aspects that are aberrant in disease to discover new possible therapies.
• Collaborate closely with computational scientists, clinical allergists, pulmonologists, and immunologists to develop new approaches, analyze experimental data, generate hypotheses, and plan new experiments.

Essential Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in computational biology, machine learning, data science, artificial intelligence, computer science, statistics, mathematics, or another quantitative field.
• Candidates holding a degree in biological or medical science are also welcome to apply if they have strong background in computational or statistical work.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, experience presenting and communicating research.
• Excellent problem solving and quantitative analysis skills.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience developing algorithms and/or conducting statistical analyses with large datasets, particularly genome‑wide assays such as RNA‑sequencing.
• Knowledge of lung biology, immunology, mucosal immunology, biology of allergy, and impact of environmental conditions on human health.

Mentoring

As a postdoc, you will meet regularly with Dr. Haber, and other faculty at Broad/HSPH, particularly in Harvard University’s Environmental Health, and also Biostatistics Departments. You will also interact regularly with faculty at Harvard‑affiliated Hospitals, particularly Brigham & Women's Hospital and the Broad Institute, participate in regular group meetings, and will participate in meetings of research teams spanning institutes and hospitals throughout the Boston area.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• At least 13 paid holidays
• Winter closure
• Paid time off
• Parental and family care leave
• Employee assistance program

Pay

Expected base pay range: $70,000.00/yr – $92,666.67/yr (based on a 40‑hour per week schedule). Actual compensation will vary based on relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other permissible factors.