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Breadcrumb

  1. Research
  2. Scientific Discovery
  3. Biology
  4. Computational Biology

Computational
Biology

Integrating data,
modeling, and theory

Job Openings

Illustration by Nathan Johnson | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

  • Biology
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Related Researchers

Photo of Bobbie-Jo Webb-Robertson

Bobbie-Jo Webb-Robertson

Division Director, Chief Scientist
Chris Oehmen

Chris Oehmen

Senior Research Scientist, Group Leader
Lee Ann McCue

Lee Ann McCue

Computational Scientist
Lisa Bramer

Lisa Bramer

Data Scientist
Sara Gosline

Sara Gosline

Computational Biologist
Jason McDermott

Jason McDermott

Team Lead, Systems Biology
Ryan Renslow PNNL

Ryan Renslow

Chemical Engineer
William NelsonWilliam Nelson

William Nelson

Computational Scientist

Biological systems can be large. A pond-size microbial mat, for instance, or a person. 

They can also be small—the size of cells, or as tiny as molecules performing a metabolic task on which life or health depends. 

Whatever their size, biological systems are complex and it’s a challenge to understand them, let alone predict, design, or control any aspect of these systems. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is at the forefront of scientific innovation in this field, using artificial intelligence to analyze complex biological data and employing advanced instrumentation and methodologies to uncover biological dark matter—advancing our nation's leadership in the rapidly emerging global bioeconomy. 

Addressing these challenges is our mission. We do so by combining data analytics, model-based experimental design, and theory to interpret, predict, and design biological systems. 

At PNNL, computational biology is the organizing framework used to reveal fundamental processes and principles.  

We address issues of national importance, ranging from scalable bioprocesses to health to evolving terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.  

Our goal is to advance a fundamental understanding of biological processes by integrating data, modeling, and theory into the scientific process. 

Research in this area includes data mining, statistical analysis, and visualization of high-throughput biological data; modeling system dynamics and energetics using mathematics and physics; and integrated analyses of regulatory networks and metabolic pathways. 

Software

  • Computational Biology Group GitHub
  • pmartR
  • Omics@PNNL
  • EMSL Computing
  • Computational Mass Spectrometry at PNNL

Top Stories

MARCH 26, 2025
Feature

Advancing Human Health by Exploring Viral Dark Matter

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rendering of a microscopic bacteriophage
MARCH 25, 2025
Feature

Unseen Forces: How Scientists Map the Invisible Interactions of Life

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Composite image of Sara Gosline (left) and Jason McDermott (right)
JANUARY 17, 2025
Feature

Flow Across Scales with a Quantum Computing Boost

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Image of the earth, clouds, and molecules representing the quantum simulations across different scales
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Facilities

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Related Divisions

Biological Sciences Division
Environmental Molecular Sciences Division

Job Openings

Computational Biology Job Openings

Contacts

Chris Oehmen
Senior Research Scientist, Group Leader
chris.oehmen@pnnl.gov
+1 (509) 375-2038
Lee Ann McCue
Computational Scientist
leeann.mccue@pnnl.gov
(509) 375-2912

Lab-Level Communications Priority Topics

Biology

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