Bioinformatics Scientist

Job Summary

The Harvard FAS Informatics Group is looking for a PhD-level bioinformatician or computational biologist to join our group. This individual will help to build workshops and other teaching resources to help train next generation of bioinformatics scientists, as well as develop and apply cutting edge approaches to a range of biological questions using both short and long read sequencing data.

Auto req ID

62514BR

Job Code

RS0458 Bioinformaticist III

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Business Title

Bioinformatics Scientist

Sub-Unit

Sciences

Salary Grade

058

Time Status

Full-time

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in bioinformatics/computational biology or a related field with 5+ years of experience, or a PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, or a related field.
• Proficient in Unix, R, and at least one commonly-used programming language, such as Python.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Fluency with Linux shell scripting, high performance computing, and workflow management systems such as Snakemake or Nextflow
• Prior experience developing and running computational live-coding workshops for users from a variety of backgrounds, including knowledge of pedological best practices for teaching computation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document methods and results clearly and concisely for tutorials and manuscripts
• Ability to interact well with a broad constituency including students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and research staff.

Additional Information

• This is a two-year term position with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.
• We regret that Harvard does not provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this position.
• All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
• We are committed to cultivating not only the diversity of our faculty, staff, and students but also in developing an inclusive culture that is vibrant, engaging and encouraging of innovation as well as intellectual debate. We believe creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace allows employees from all backgrounds and walks of life to achieve their fullest potential. We also believe an inclusive culture is one that accepts, values and views as strength the difference we all bring to the workplace.

Department

FAS Science Division - Informatics

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

M - F; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Job Function

Research

Position Description

Key responsibilities include:

• Teach bioinformatics workshops to the Harvard community on topics of interest, including both basic and advanced topics. A key part of this responsibility will be to incorporate pedological best practices to build a highly valued set of training material.
• Work closely with Harvard faculty, postdocs, and students to advise on analysis of sequencing data and other biological ‘big data.’
• Collaborate with scientists generating sequencing data at Harvard, to facilitate the dissemination of best practices to the research community.

In addition, the candidate will have the option devote a portion of their time to novel research to facilitate analysis of sequencing data, focusing on areas of identified need among Harvard research groups and the larger genomics research community.

This is a flexible job that provides opportunities for teaching, research, and extensive collaboration, in the context of a strong intellectual environment with good work-life balance. The Bioinformatics group lies at the intersection of scientific research and large-scale computational analysis and works with many research groups. We are thus looking for someone who has a keen ability for picking up new knowledge and enjoys working on a wide variety of projects across a range of methods.

We are committed to diversity and especially encourage members of underrepresented communities to apply.

School/Unit

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting.
• This position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, MA, with the possibility of having a hybrid in-person/remote schedule. This position is eligible for flexible work arrangements as business needs allow and in consultation with hiring manager.
• The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)