[searine]

>How easy is it to break into computational biology as a, say, practitioner of computational mechanics?

There are niches you can get into that are more computer/IT focused where you can start. Things like HPC management, software coding/upkeep for existing tools.

These jobs would like pay a lot less than corporate gig. To get into a true analyst role you'd need a few years of biology training. To start asking your own questions professionally you'd need several years of biology training.

Nothing stopping you from starting it as a hobby though!