HHMI is currently seeking a Computational Biologist, Bioinformatics for a full-time opportunity to join the ancient DNA research laboratory of Professor David Reich at Harvard Medical School.
The Ancient DNA Laboratory focuses on research studying the genetic history of people who lived up to 20,000 years ago. It is comprised of a wet laboratory, housed within Harvard Medical School’s Department of Genetics and a computational genetics research group, housed within both the Harvard Medical School’s (HMS) Department of Genetics and the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology within Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). The research involves building an ancient DNA atlas of humanity, making ancient DNA accessible to archaeologists, leveraging ancient DNA to understand human adaptation, and leveraging an understanding of population history to reduce suffering and disease.
For more information, please visit reich.hms.harvard.edu . An article on our ancient DNA work can be found here www.nytimes.com/2018/03/20/science/david-reich-human-migrations.html .
We are seeking a detail-oriented, passionate problem solver who loves science and is excited to contribute to research projects by supporting the organization and pipeline processing of ancient DNA data in our informatics team. We are open to a range of candidates from recent college graduates to more experienced scientists – the chosen candidate’s salary will be commensurate with their level of education, skills, and experience. This would be an excellent opportunity for a candidate who is looking to contribute to cutting-edge research and work with a medium-sized, highly collaborative group for at least 2 years, and who is looking to train with experts in the field. We also are flexible to allow for some remote work if desired.
What You Will Do
Support the organization and pipeline processing of ancient DNA data, both internally and externally generated
Develop metrics and techniques to improve production as needed
Assist staff scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students affiliated with the Ancient DNA Laboratory with miscellaneous computational tasks associated with their research – this includes, but is not limited to, building custom one-off research tools/workflows and working collaboratively to provide results, training others, running queries
Work with and extend current protocols under the supervision of senior researchers
What You Bring
Required
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in computational biology, informatics, and/or data science
Proficiency in a scripting language such as Python or Perl
Proficiency with Linux/Unix
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent written, documentation, and oral communication skills
Ability to multi-task
Preferred
Familiarity with Bash or shell language
High-Performance computing experience would be a plus
Physical Requirements:
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer