Job Description

This application is for a 12-week internship role from June - August 2022.

In Biogen’s Human Genetics group, statistical geneticists, genetic epidemiologists, and clinical geneticists work together with molecular biologists, computational biologists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians to identify and prioritize novel drug targets, and advance drug targets toward clinical development. We leverage our understanding of human genetics and genomics, disease biology, and cutting-edge technologies for deeper analysis of pathogenic mechanisms.

We seek a talented Intern with strong analytical and communication skills to apply and develop statistical genetic methods to help identify and prioritize drug targets for neurodegenerative diseases.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We seek a talented Intern to apply a range of statistical/bioinformatics techniques to large scale genetic, genomic and clinical data.

As an intern, you will:

• Apply and further develop a statistical technique called Mendelian Randomization (MR) to discover biomarkers which are associated with the progression of neurological disease outcomes.
• Conduct a range of simulations to evaluate statistical power of this analysis.
• Apply MR systematically to real world datasets on the biomarker-disease pairs available where the MR is well enough powered to detect a relationship.

Results from this project will identify a well-curated set of disease-relevant biomarkers, which can then be used to translate information from human genetics to generate improved therapeutic targets and hypotheses.   

You will meet weekly with your mentor to discuss experiments and results, and be given the opportunity to present their results internally.

Qualifications

To participate in the Biogen Internship Program, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• At least 18 years of age prior to the scheduled start date
• Be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university

Required:

• Programming skills in R
• Experience with Unix scripting environment
• Competency in statistics
• Outstanding written & oral communication
• Strong self-motivation

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Mendelian Randomization techniques and applications

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. student preferred; talented Master’s students may be considered
• Graduate student in Statistical Genetics, Genetic Epidemiology, Human Genetics, Biostatistics, or related field
• Must be enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. level program, or have graduated in the past year from a Master’s or Ph.D. level program

Additional Information

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