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Position Description

You are a biologist by training, or a bioinformatician. You want to collaborate with biologists to make sure other scientists can understand their data You can write some code. Or you can see yourself learning how. Disorganized dishwashers make you cringe. You are excited about a non-academic job in an academic setting. We are looking for a motivated Scientific Data Curator to join the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School, for an exciting opportunity in steering how cutting-edge imaging and genomic sequencing data from the NIH Common Fund 4D Nucleome (4DN) Network will be collected, curated, and displayed. The 4D Nucleome Network applies cutting edge sequencing and microscopy experiments, and integrative data analysis to understand the principles underlying nuclear organization and the role nuclear organization plays in cellular function. The 4DN Data Coordination and Integration Center (DCIC) is hosted at the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School. The DCIC collects, curates, stores, and processes the data generated by the Network, and contributes to the data integration efforts of the network. The Scientific Data Curator will be a part of the team responsible for creating and managing the metadata necessary to describe the high-throughput data produced by the 4DN consortium. Ideally the individual will have experience with imaging technologies and will act as a liaison between the genomics and software expertise at the DCIC and the imaging labs in the 4DN network. The individual will participate in the specification, design, and implementation of tools that integrate, search, and display the data, working closely with other data curators, and the software engineering and bioinformatics staff. The successful candidate must be able to learn and work independently, yet collaborate effectively with co-workers. The Department of Biomedical Informatics is a leading hub for computational biology, translational bioinformatics, and precision medicine. Based on the Harvard Medical School Longwood Campus, the 4D Nucleome DCIC is part of a vibrant community of scientists, physicians, and engineers whose goal is to advance the boundaries of knowledge. The working environment combines the best features of a startup (fast pace, flexibility, flat hierarchies) with those of one of the leading medical schools (excellent benefits, outstanding opportunities for learning, great resources, name recognition).

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in Biology, Physics, Bioinformatics, or a related field, or a master's degree and 3 years experience in data management or curation preferred.
• Technical expertise in microscopy, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or related fields.
• Experience with modern high-throughput genomics or microscopy experiments and their data types.
• Experience with REST APIs, relational databases, software development environments, and version control.
• Working knowledge of Python.
• Familiarity with controlled vocabularies and ontologies.
• Ability to work independently, manage own time and learn quickly.
• Project management skills including team management, issue management, and change management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to understand scientific literature, experimental procedures, and their limitations, and current needs of the research community.

Certificates and Licenses

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.

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.

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.

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3 - 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, incredibly affordable classes directly at the Harvard Extension School, and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complementary health services.
• Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events, and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

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! (https://www.gem.com ?formID=16341e35-cbc6-4904-88a3-09b35763307e)

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


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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