Skip to main contentA logo with &quat;the muse&quat; in dark blue text.

Head of Computational Biology (Director)

AT Biogen
Biogen

Head of Computational Biology (Director)

Cambridge, MA

About This Role

The Head of Computational Biology will be accountable for leading and matrix managing a dynamic team of computational biologists in leveraging multiomics and biological data to drive research and development initiatives. This role will be pivotal in integrating and analyzing diverse data sets to uncover new biological insights as well as provide supporting evidence for current programs in the R&D pipeline. This role encompasses technical expertise, scientific leadership, strategic direction, and operational management for internal research programs and external partnerships. A critical aspect of success is to identify and collaborate with external organizations (such as academic labs, specialty startups, CROs) to enhance internal capabilities, with the goal of advancing internal drug discovery programs leveraging computational approaches. This position is crucial in influencing the perspectives of internal stakeholders, assessing emerging business needs and challenges, and implementing innovative technologies and strategies driven by significant advances in computational biology, including bioinformatics, systems biology, and machine learning applications. The Head is expected to be highly collaborative and an effective communicator to work seamlessly across Research.

Want more jobs like this?

Get jobs in Cambridge, MA delivered to your inbox every week.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy.


What You'll Do

The Head of Computational Biology will play a pivotal role in fostering a collaborative environment both within the organization and with external partners. This individual will be responsible for:

  • Building and Nurturing Internal Relationships: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including biologists, data scientists, and clinicians to integrate computational approaches, including AI/ML, into various stages of drug discovery and development
  • External Partnerships: Identify and establish strategic partnerships with academic institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), and industry consortia to leverage external expertise, technologies, and data resources that complement and enhance internal research capabilities. This includes collaborations focused on the latest advancements in AI and ML.
  • Mentorship of analysts: Lead and mentor a team of computational biologists. Guide and oversee integrative analyses of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and clinical data into actionable biological insights.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Promote and facilitate interdisciplinary projects that combine computational biology with experimental biology, ensuring seamless integration and synergy across data sets and functions.
  • Communication and Advocacy: Serve as a key advocate for computational biology within the organization, effectively communicating its value and potential to senior leadership and stakeholders. This includes presenting complex computational insights in a clear and actionable manner.
  • Collaborative Innovation: Lead and participate in collaborative initiatives aimed at developing novel computational tools, algorithms, and models that address critical challenges in drug discovery and personalized medicine.

Who You Are

You love analytics and applying your knowledge of computational biology, bioinformatics, and data science to drive impactful results. You have a strong background and proven track record of leading teams in utilizing computational approaches to answer questions related to drug discovery.

Required Skills

  • PhD/Masters in related field with a minimum 12 years of experience in computational biology, with a focus on integration of large data sets/multiomics to answer key questions and generate novel hypotheses
  • Strong proficiency in relevant programming languages such as Python, R, or similar, and HPC/cloud computing
  • Significant experience in analytics of omics technologies including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenomics, etc
  • Expertise in statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization techniques
  • Strong ability to work cross-functionally and with analysts, biologists, and IT to develop strategy and execute project plans
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences and clearly articulate goals, methods, and outcomes
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to think critically and creatively
  • Experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry is required

Preferred Skills

  • Experience in applying the concepts listed above in the field of Immunology, Neurology, or Neurodegenerative Disease preferred
  • Application of novel analytic methods to target ID and validation strategies
  • Experience integrating work with CROs to execute on goals
  • Strong documentation skills and emulation of FAIR data principles
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements, policies and guidelines for the analysis of genomic data from clinical trials

Job Level: Management

Additional Information

The base compensation range for this role is: $200,000.00-$275,000.00

Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees' and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
  • Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
  • Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
  • 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
  • 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
  • Employee Resource Groups participation

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.

Client-provided location(s): Cambridge, MA, USA
Job ID: Biogen-REQ20992
Employment Type: Full Time

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • FSA
    • HSA
    • On-Site Gym
    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • Mental Health Benefits
    • Fitness Subsidies
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
  • Parental Benefits

    • On-site/Nearby Childcare
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Happy Hours
    • Some Meals Provided
    • Company Outings
    • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Leave of Absence
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Paid Holidays
    • Paid Vacation
    • Sabbatical
    • Volunteer Time Off
    • Summer Fridays
  • Financial and Retirement

    • Relocation Assistance
    • Performance Bonus
    • Company Equity
    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Stock Purchase Program
    • Financial Counseling
  • Professional Development

    • Promote From Within
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
    • Employee Resource Groups (ERG)