Bioinformatics Scientist Jobs

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.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with scientists generating sequencing data at Harvard, to facilitate the dissemination of best practices to the research community.
• Work closely with Harvard faculty, postdocs, and students to advise on analysis of sequencing data and other biological ‘big data.’
• 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.

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.

• Proficient in Unix, R, and at least one commonly-used programming language, such as Python.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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
• Fluency with Linux shell scripting, high performance computing, and workflow management systems such as Snakemake or Nextflow

• 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.
• Work is performed in an office setting.

• 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.
• This is a two-year term position with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.
• 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.

• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• 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.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.