Junior Bioinformaticist

Harvard Medical School's Wu Lab focuses on innovative research in genetics, particularly the study of chromosome behavior, genome organization, and the role of structural variations in health and disease. The lab combines cutting-edge genomic technologies with interdisciplinary expertise to uncover insights into the mechanisms that govern genome function and its implications for human health.

The successful candidate will work under the guidance of senior scientists to conduct computational studies including the analyses of chromosome pairing and, perhaps, super-resolution images of the genome. This role requires a collaborative spirit, self-motivation, creativity, and open-mindedness. The candidate will join an interdisciplinary team that includes geneticists, engineers, biochemists, and microscopy experts.

Specific Responsibilities: The candidate will explore critical questions about the role of 3D genome organization in genome function and human health. Key responsibilities include:

• Assist in developing and applying pipelines to assess genome responses to structural rearrangements, analyze super-resolution images, and optimize integrative modeling. This work is expected to be entirely (100%) guided by a senior bioinformatician during the first 2-3 years, with opportunities for more independent work in later years should the candidate demonstrate a capacity to do so.
• Perform computational analyses using pre-existing scripts under the direction of a senior bioinformatician.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges and performing routine statistical analyses on research findings.
• Review relevant literature to identify usable datasets and collaborate with a senior bioinformatician to prepare these datasets for analysis (re-formatting, annotating, and filtering etc.)
• As they will be working closely together, the successful candidate and the senior bioinformatician are expected to interact daily to troubleshoot and/or update each other. The successful candidate will also participate in regularly scheduled weekly meetings with the senior bioinformatician to more formally report and discuss results. There will also be the potential to share key findings during lab meetings.
• Update lab pipelines and manage lab storage bi-monthly to ensure accessibility and efficient storage management.
• Develop and expand skill sets to contribute collaboratively to various lab projects under the supervision of a senior scientist.
• Support overall lab maintenance, including updating and repairing computational hardware as needed.

4 or more years of experience required. Higher education may count toward years of experience

• Bachelor's degree in biological science or related field preferred
• Training and experience in biology, molecular biology, computational biology, data science, statistics, or related fields.
• Proficiency in Python, R, and MATLAB, with experience in cloud or cluster computing, preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.

• 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.