Bioinformaticist I

Job Summary

The Eddy lab, a computational biology research group with Harvard University and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (eddylab.org), has an opening for a bioinformatics software developer/computational biologist to join the team that develops two widely used software packages for biological sequence analysis: HMMER (hmmer.org) and Infernal (eddylab.org/infernal). The team is working on the next major releases of these tools, and the position offers the opportunity to participate in fundamental computational biology algorithms research. The successful candidate would have responsibility for user-facing aspects of our software development and releases, including dissemination, testing, benchmarking, and support on various web platforms including GitHub and our own web pages.

Auto req ID

57282BR

Job Code

RS0456 Bioinformaticist I

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Business Title

Bioinformaticist I

Sub-Unit

------------

Appointment End Date

2026-06-30T00:00:00Z

Salary Grade

056

Time Status

Full-time

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of relevant experience in the area of bioinformatics.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Expertise in biological sequence analysis using HMMER and Infernal software, and databases such as Pfam, InterPro, and Rfam
• Expertise in bioinformatics data analysis and data exchange formatsExpertise Python and/or C programming and in UNIX (Mac OS/X or Linux)
• Expertise in software testing and release (GitHub), and writing and disseminating web-based documentation (HTML, CSS, web site generators like Pelican)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a small team

Additional Information

This is a grant-funded position through June 30, 2026, that may be extended contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

MCB recognizes that the work of equity is always ongoing, and that there will always be room for improvement. We are looking for people to join our community who want to be part of that effort. We value the fundamental importance of a diverse community where everyone, regardless of background, ability, or identity, is appreciated for being themselves.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS HR.

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.

Department

Molecular & Cellular Biology

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

35 hours per week

Job Function

Research

Position Description

Responsibilities:

• Benchmarking and testing biological applications of the HMMER and Infernal tools
• Development of HMMER and Infernal’s command line interfaces, output formats, and interfaces to other tools (such as Galaxy, Bioconductor, BioPython, BioPerl)
• Writing user-oriented documentation and tutorials
• Managing code releases and availability to the community, and interfacing with third-party packagers

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

This position does not offer hybrid remote/in person work flexibility. There is an expectation that employees be able to work in person in Cambridge, MA.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ .

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.