Associate Director Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
Bedford, MA, USA
About Us…
Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® technology in Cell and Gene therapy products to control expression of proteins for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety. Obsidian’s lead program is currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer.
We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment of inclusion where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our Research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and Technical Operations team is based in our purpose built facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options.
Our Opportunity...
We are looking for a highly motivated Associate Director, with a strong background in computational biology and bioinformatics. As a key contributor within the organization, you’ll lead the computational and analytical strategy and execution supporting translational and basic research programs, helping to drive the development of our first clinical stage autologous cell therapy program targeting solid tumors.
You’ll provide high-level strategy and oversight for the computational and analytical framework across the organization, including cloud-based data analysis pipelines (e.g., NGS), biomarker discovery (e.g., TCR sequencing and clonality analysis, unbiased gene expression profiling, Nanostring profiling, single cell sequencing), experimental design support, and statistical analyses to support translational research programs and Research and Discovery team activities. You will collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary teams, including Technical Operations/CMC, to deliver critical analytical insights that advance clinical and research initiatives. Additionally, you will support the development and application of computational tools, including AI-driven approaches, to improve efficiency in synthesizing large datasets such as conference materials and summarizing published literature across relevant scientific topics. You will be a vital part of a highly collaborative team working to achieve Obsidian’s vision by translating innovative science into medical breakthroughs for patients starting with our lead program OBX-115, a novel engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy.
This is a unique opportunity to be a contributor in a well-funded clinical company with blue chip investors, field-leading advisors, best-in-class partners, and an experienced team. You'll help us build a dynamic, innovative, passionate, collaborative, and successful organization focused on delivering transformative therapies in areas of greatest clinical need.
This is a Hybrid role located in our Bedford, MA office.
You Will...
Core responsibilities
- Lead and champion computational efforts associated with the Clinical, translational, discovery and research program efforts including analytical support for biomarker discovery and analysis to support translational and research activities.
- Identify and implement computational methodologies and datasets needed to advance discovery and programmatic activities.
- Oversee the execution of analyses for routine assays that use sequencing, array and biological data by running, maintaining, and updating analytical pipelines.
- Lead the strategic efforts related to data and analysis quality using quality-control measures, and collaborate on establishing data management practices.
- Communicate analysis results and interpretations with key stakeholders using high-quality reports in a timely manner.
- Support ad hoc statistical design and analyses for research projects and programs.
- Exercise standard code-management practices, while maintaining analytical documentation and study reports in Electronic Notebook entries.
- Collaborate effectively across Obsidian organization to support ongoing research projects and clinical program development by contributing analytical insights, requirements, workflows and presenting internally to project teams, management, and scientific teams.
You Bring...
Core Qualifications
- PhD in Computational Biology/Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, Computer Science or a related field with 3+ years of experience in industry, OR a MS degree in one of the above areas with 8+ years of relevant work experience.
- Proficiency with commonly used programming languages for bioinformatics analysis, such as Python, R, and shell scripting.
- Proficiency with NGS data analysis tools and pipelines (QC, alignment, secondary data analysis, enrichment analysis).
- Proficiency with Unix-based systems, source version control (e.g. Git) and cloud computing environments and tools (e.g. AWS, Azure, docker).
- Proficient in biostatical methods.
- Demonstrated success in leading the computational function in a matrixed, cross-disciplinary organization.
- Highly collaborative working style and ability to adapt in a fast paced, rapidly developing environment.
- Ability to work with general direction to meet objectives and timelines, adapting to changes and priorities to fulfill our mission
- Collaborative and accountable – recognizes success requires interdisciplinary thinking and teamwork; shares feedback and ideas, productively challenges own and others’ assumptions to facilitate better outcomes
- Self-motivated, with a proven ability to work with general direction to meet objectives and timelines, managing multiple responsibilities in parallel.
- Flexible - adapts to change in a fast paced, rapidly developing environment
- Curious and humble – seeks and welcomes input/expertise of others, continuous learner
- Tenacious and resilient – is not easily overwhelmed by challenges, delivers on commitments
- Operates with urgency, adept at building buy-in and driving alignment within and across teams, senior leadership, and external partners.
- Seeks the data, information, and support needed (internally and externally) to make efficient and informed decisions and meet objectives.
- Continuous learner – actively follows innovations in area of expertise, fosters innovative thinking, and adopts novel approaches that are fit for purpose.
- Reflective and self-aware.
Bonus Qualifications
- Wet lab experience
- Experience in cancer genomic data analysis along with familiarity of public databases (e.g., Ensembl, Hapmap, UCSC), tools (e.g., cBioPortal), and resources (e.g., CCLE, TCGA)
- Drug development experience in a matrixed environment
- Experience with ELN platforms (e.g., Benchling)
- Experience with data management in a regulated environment
Obsidian is committed to equitable and transparent pay practices.
The anticipated base salary range for this role is below. The actual base salary offered will be determined based on a combination of factors, including applicable qualifications, level of education, the depth of experience, unique skills, geographic location, internal equity, and/or business needs. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with federal, state, and/or local wage requirements for the role’s location.
Our competitive compensation package includes an annual incentive bonus as a percentage of actual base salary and long-term incentives in the form of employee stock options, both of which are commensurate with the role’s level. We also offer a generous benefits package which includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; company contributions to health savings and retirement accounts; ample paid time off; access to wellness programs; and rich career growth opportunities.
Obsidian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.