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Position Description

We offer an opportunity to support a cutting-edge laboratory that has so far been responsible for producing more than half of the world's ancient DNA data. The successful candidate will assume a computational biologist/data scientist position and will work closely with scientists in the lab studying DNA from human remains up to 20,000 years ago.

Under limited supervision, this role is responsible for computational data analysis of the assigned project. Collaborates and consults with researchers and scientists to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, and design computational strategies for a project. Contributes to the design, development, implementation, and testing of bio-computing tools. Ability to communicate analyzed data to analysts writing scientific papers


An article on our laboratory ancient DNA work can be found here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/20/science/david-reich-human-migrations.html


The John Templeton Foundation

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in in computer science, data science or relevant field and 3+ years of relevant experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Fluency in a scripting language (e.g. Python or Perl)
• Linux/Unix proficiency
• a minimum of 4 years of work experience or a master's degree along with a minimum of 2 years of experience are required for this position

This is an ideal opportunity for candidates with several different backgrounds:

• Recent graduates with college or masters degrees in bioinformatics or computer science more
• generally
• Experienced bioinformatician with a background in processing genomic data.
• Experienced data scientist who has broad experience working with data and databases We are looking for candidates intending to stay for an extended period (at least three years).
• Some experience in biology or genomics
• SQL database experience
• High-Performance Computing experience (SLURM)
• Interest in anthropology, archaeology or history (need not be professional)
• Excellent written, documentation, and oral communication skills
• Ability to multi-task

Additional Information

This is a one-year term position with strong potential for renewal.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston.

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.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to keep in touch and learn about future opportunities!

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website 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.

Work Format

On-Site


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values

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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