Job Description

Variagenics is a biotechnology company with offices and laboratories in
Cambridge, Massachusetts, near the MIT campus. At Variagenics we are
discovering pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic markers that account for
interpatient variation in response to cancer treatements, and we are
using this information to develop diagnostic tests to guide selection of
optimal therapy for cancer patients.

Variagenics is currently recruiting an experienced biostatistician to
join our Statistical Genetics and Computational Biology group, a dynamic
multidisciplinary group of biologists, geneticists and statisticians.
The main role of the position will be to develop and apply new methods
for the analysis of complex data sets obtained in cancer studies. More
specifically, the biostatistician will be responsible for modeling and
analyzing genetic and genomic data from cancer trials at the chromosome,
gene and RNA levels in order to identify marker patterns associated with
treatment efficacy and side effects. Data sets will include a variety
of measures of candidate gene function, including DNA polymorphisms and
mutations, changes in gene copy number including allele loss, DNA
methylation and RNA expression, as well as data from gene arrays and
genome scans of allele loss.

Other ongoing projects in the Statistical Genetics and Computational
Biology group concern haplotype prediction, SNP selection, evaluation of
association methods (including regression trees, combinatorial
partitioning and nested clade analysis) via analysis of simulated and
actual data sets; and genotype - phenotype analysis of a variety of
clinical data sets. Other areas of interest include power analysis for
genetic and genomic clinical studies and meta-analysis.

Essential Qualifications:
Background in applied statistics (at least masters level)
Knowledge of statistical models for complex data sets (e.g. regression
models, cluster
methods, neural nets)
Experience working with large data sets using R or SAS
Programming experience with C or similar language

Desirable Qualifications
Training in genetics, including experience in genotype-phenotype
association methods
Experience analyzing clinical trial data
Knowledge of cancer biology
Knowledge of pharmacology

The Company
Variagenics (http://www.variagenics.com) offers a stimulating work
environment, including challenging research projects, interactions with
outside consultants and attendance at conferences; a competitive salary
and a benefits package including health insurance, 401k plan with
matching company contributions and employee stock ownership program.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth.

For more information please contact Mary McWeeney, Director of Human
Resources, at: [log in to unmask], 617-588-5315, or 60 Hampshire
Street, Cambridge, MA 02139.



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Carsten Wiuf
Senior Scientist
Variagenics
60 Hampshire St
Cambridge, MA 02139

Phone: (617) 588 2271
Fax: (617) 588 5399