Research Scientist (Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health)

Details

Posted: 2026-05-23

Location: BOSTON, Massachusetts

Internal Number: JR-4592

The Department of Data Science at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute seeks candidates with a strong background in statistics to become the Associate Director of the Breast Oncology Statistical Program. This person will work on clinical trials and translational research collaboratively with the Breast Oncology Program. They will direct the activities of the junior statisticians within the group on projects and lead the analysis of more complex collaborative projects.

The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to collaborate with basic scientists, clinical and biomedical researchers at DFCI, as well as with faculty across Harvard. The position will be based in the Department of Data Science at DFCI with a Research Scientist track appointment in the Department of Biostatistics at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This is considered a non-tenure track faculty position at DFCI and provides a salary comparable to tenure track faculty, independence to choose projects, grant submission support, and the opportunity to hire and supervise a research team. The position also permits seeking external and internal funding for independent projects.

Responsibilities

Data Analysis: Routinely directs and supervises data analytic activities of more junior statisticians and/or leads complex projects.

Study Design: Trains, mentors and oversees the design activities of more junior statistical staff. Acts as a key participant in the articulation of the collaborative vision, working with program leaders and clinical research directors on scientific program direction and research portfolio.

Service to Dana-Farber and Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center: Independently represents the department on HCC and DFCI committees, including but not limited to Scientific Review Committees (SRC) and Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Manuscript Preparation: May direct and/or advise junior statisticians in working with investigators to prepare scientific manuscripts.

Grant Preparation: Expertise in consulting with investigators on all aspects of grant submissions. Work with grants manager on all administrative aspects, including budget.

Research Portfolio Management: Advises on the need for more diversified responsibilities, both for themselves and for more junior statisticians who they may supervise; responsible for coordinating statisticians and assuring that investigators are aware of the direct path to statistical assistance.

Mentoring Responsibilities: Regularly mentor and advise more junior statisticians in all aspects of their responsibilities and career development Functions as team leader on projects, advises and supervises more junior members of the team and participates in the annual evaluation of more junior members.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Functions as team leader on projects, advises and supervises more junior members of the team and participates in the annual evaluation of more junior members.

QUALIFICATIONS

PhD degree in Statistics or Biostatistics and five years of experience required. Experience in oncology and the design and analysis of clinical trials.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Computational Skills: Knowledge of UNIX/Linux and statistical software such as R or SAS.

Statistical Skills: Expert at statistical methodology, and the use of statistical software, coding, data analysis and effective presentation of results. Comfortable with the statistical literature and able to implement state-of-the-art analytic techniques. Able to construct and implement complex study designs. Understands the nuances of data wrangling and ability to use sound principles of reproducible research methods. Adept at performing complex analysis methods and assess underlying assumptions.

Collaboration: Able to lead research teams and/or large projects. Independently discuss and present complex research designs and results to clinical collaborators. Shares ideas accurately and communicates them effectively, both in writing and verbally.