Forum:Can a computational biologist in Broad Institute publish papers?

Question

[Soumitra Pal]

I am being interviewed for a "Computational Biologist" position in Broad Institute. Can anyone help me what is the difference between a "Postdoc Scholar" and "Comp Biologist" at Broad? Can a CB publish research papers or is her only responsibility to support the scientists in terms of software development? Will a CB position help if one aims for academic faculty positions later in her career? Thank you.

[GenoMax]

Isn't this something you should ask clarification for at the time of your interview?

[Soumitra Pal]

Thanks genomax2 for your reply. My initial screening by recruiter was cleared. The interview with PI is next. I was wondering if I should directly ask this question.

And in general, I would like to hear the experiences of who are already in such a position.

[WouterDeCoster]

Sounds like an important question to ask...

[GenoMax]

Sharing proper credit (when it is due) is a basic tenet in academic institutions in the west (there may be some exceptions but by far those should be rare).

As long as you have actually contributed to a study you can be reasonably assured of getting credit (as an author) on any publications that may result. As a junior contributor you should not expect to get solo credit for things you do since most research effort will be collaborative (especially at broad). But you need to take a step up the academic ladder somewhere and Broad would be a fine place to start. You should discuss your future academic aspirations with the PI (if the opportunity provides itself now or later when you join the lab). A PhD would be required to land an academic faculty position in most US schools (along with post-doc experience). It is not clear if you already have a PhD. If you don't, then that should be one of your near future goals.

As for what position (title) you get at Broad may not be so important. The expertise you acquire and publications you produce during your tenure would be far more important in the long run.

[Soumitra Pal]

Thank you, genomax2, for the detailed answer and the wishes. Please pray that all goes well. Best wishes.

Answer 1

[d-cameron]

If you are joining a group such as the Data Sciences and Data Engineering group where publications are not a KPI, then you are unlikely to get any first author papers. Potentially, you could do years of excellent software engineer work without getting any publications whatsoever.

Will a CB position help if one aims for academic faculty positions later in her career?

An academic faculty position generally requires a strong publication history indicating that you are capable of independent research. As research is not the primary goal for the Broad Computational Biologists I've talked to (eg https://www.broadinstitute.org/bios/eric-banks ), you should definitely discuss your expectations with your PI and determine whether such a position fits with your career goals.

[Soumitra Pal]

Thank you, d-cameron. I will discuss this with the PI.