Scientist I- Computational Biology

28-Oct-2024

Scientist I- Computational Biology

Wyss Institute at Harvard University

67251BR

Job Summary

About Us: 

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky.  We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges. For more information discover our technologies, catch up on our recent news, or watch our latest videos.

About You: 

You are a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver who wants to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating and commercializing novel approaches to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. You want the opportunity to explore your scientific interests and apply your knowledge to tackle ambitious projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial-minded environment with resources and support from top-notch scientific, operations, and administrative professionals. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the Role: 

Reporting to the Scientist II, you will support computational discovery efforts for an exciting new scientific program focused on elucidating how spaceflight affects human health and blood cell development using human Organ Chips. You will use existing technologies and develop new approaches in the areas of multi-omics analyses as well as statistical and machine learning models. In collaboration with computational and experimental teams within the Wyss and external partners, you will develop hypotheses, interpret data, and advance project goals related to understanding spaceflight-induced changes to human biology. As a member of the Advanced Technology Team (ATT), you will be exposed to many different technologies ranging from therapeutics and diagnostics to synthetic biology and materials science to identify ambitious solutions to problems of global importance and turn these solutions into new products.

Position Description

What you'll do:

• Develop, use, and evolve computational pipelines, for: 
  • Analysis of bulk and single cell RNA-sequencing and proteomics datasets
  • Statistical and complex network models
  • Machine learning
• Present key results to project teams and stakeholders
• Mentor lab colleagues, including students, technicians, and post-docs and provide project feedback
• Support diverse data analysis methods and the use of existing computational tools in the Wyss portfolio.
• Engage in existing collaborations with external research groups and cloud computing partners to meet project objectives
• Work closely with cross-functional team members to develop hypotheses, interpret data, and advance project goals related to therapeutics development
• Contribute to grants, publications, and patent applications
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Basic Qualifications

What you'll need: 

• A Bachelor's degree is required in biomedical engineering, data science, or related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in computational biology. 
• Advanced education may count towards years of experience.
• Experience with computer programming, such as R and/or Python. is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Desirable Skills:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, data science, or related fields is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with multi-omics datasets, such as bulk and single cell RNA sequencing, proteomics, and metabolomics.
• Proficiency in R and Python coding languages.
• Experience using high performance and/or cloud computing platforms.
• Experience developing/applying statistical models and/or machine learning tools.
• Prior experience in space biology, radiation biology, or hematology is a plus.
• Experience using SQL and Shiny coding languages is a plus. 
• Ability to work well independently and to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group (engineers, biologists/physiologists, clinicians).
• Experience in the preparation of technical reports, journal articles, and presentations.
• Experience in authoring and critically reviewing technical documents, study protocols, and reports related computational biology and/or statistics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, documentation skills, and attention to detail, with the proven ability to work effectively as a multidisciplinary team member.
• Excellent organizational skills, technical writing, record keeping, ability to manage multiple projects, and ability to be nimble and work in a fast-paced environment are crucial.
• The successful candidate will be an ambitious self-starter, have a strong work ethic, be able to generate high-quality work under tight deadlines and enjoy working in a fast-paced team environment.

Working Conditions

This position is based in Boston and some in-person on-campus work will be required, and flexible/remote work is an option. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process. *Note: Harvard employees working in California must be exempt.

Additional Information

Why you’ll like working with us: 

At the Wyss Institute, you’re a member of a supportive, dynamic community that is united by its shared goal of changing the world through groundbreaking technology development and commercialization. We encourage your professional growth and development through mentorship and tuition reimbursement to support continued learning, and more. We also support your physical, financial, and mental well-being through generous time off benefits, gym reimbursements, and other programs offered through Harvard. Our facility is located in a new, state-of-the-art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood, where you have access to multiple amenities including a roof top terrace with stunning views of Boston and proximity to numerous restaurants and cultural attractions.  We value an inclusive and diverse workforce, and believe that our differences enrich the work environment for all.

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Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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.

Job Function

Research

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

RS0456 Bioinformaticist I

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

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

Salary Grade

056

Department

Wyss Institute

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

As a collaborative organization, we at the Wyss Institute know that great innovation happens when diverse perspectives come together to solve problems. As a result, we are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness both in and out of the lab. When recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you will bring in terms of education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. We believe these differences in background, experience, and perspective enrich our work environment and are essential to our mission of solving complex problems through technology development and translation

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.

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