Scientist, Computational Biology

Job Description

About This Role 
The Research Data Sciences (RDS) group at Biogen is seeking a bioinformatics scientist/computational biologist to join in the mission of developing analytical algorithms, data processing pipelines and fit-for-purpose tools to support next generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis needs for advancing gene therapy and splice modulators. A key aspect of the role is to evaluate the translatability of the gene therapy in mouse, NHP, rabbit and human models. 
The overarching goal is to develop a gene therapy and a splice modulator pipeline from exploratory research through preclinical development. 

What You’ll Do 

• Apply analytical skills and bioinformatics tools to analyze next generation sequencing data to guide the rational design of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) capsids, design and evaluate cell-specific promoters, and the selection of AAVs with desired tropism
• Perform local splice variant analysis from short-read sequencing data and full-transcript level isoform analysis from long-read sequencing data, to identify novel small molecules and their target genes which will enable gene expression controls by splice modulation. This work will include on-target and off-target analysis, motif analysis, and use of machine learning tools.
• Control the expression of AAV-delivered genes with splice-modulating small molecules
• Collaborate closely with scientists in gene therapy group, research and development groups, chemistry group, computational biology experts, the NGS lab, and structural biologists to design and analyze data from various in-vitro and in-vivo studies

Who You Are 
You love data analytics and are passionate about exploring new kinds of data to drive key business decisions. Additionally, you are someone with excellent interpersonal and communication skills who works effectively within a cross-functional team while collaborating with academic and industry partners.
 

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioengineering, or related field with 2 years of postdoc or relevant industry experience preferred
• Coding experience in Bash, R, or Python, to develop NGS analysis workflows 
• Significant expertise with analysis of both short and long read sequencing data (e.g., Illumina, PacBio, Nanopore) for mutation analysis, genome mapping, expression profiling 
• Experience with computational analysis of bulk RNA seq, DNA-seq, microRNA-seq and single cell datasets, along with understanding of statistical background of analysis tools. 
• Experience in RNA splicing analysis from short- and long-read sequencing platforms
• Experience in genomics data visualization tools
• Experience with deriving novel insights by integrating multiple orthogonal omics data sets
• Demonstrated ability to work independently by designing, executing, and troubleshooting given tasks
• Excellent verbal, written communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills

Preferred Skills

• Solid understanding of statistics and machine learning 
• Knowledge of virology and gene therapy
• Experience in epigenetic and epigenomic data analysis
   

Additional Information

Our mission to find therapies for neurological and rare diseases is a unique focus within our industry and this shared purpose is what connects us as a team. We work together to overcome obstacles and to follow the science. We are resilient as we strive to make an impact on our patients’ lives and on changing the course of medicine. Together, we pioneer. Together, we thrive. 

Position is commensurate on experience.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.