We are looking for an aspiring and motivated Senior Software Engineer with expertise in AWS infrastructure to join the Park Lab (https://compbio.hms.harvard.edu) in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School. This software engineer will help build platforms that manage a large amount of DNA sequencing data for advancing scientific research and their clinical application by scientists worldwide.
The Park Lab has developed the Data Portal for the SMaHT (Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues, https://data.smaht.org) consortium, an NIH-funded project to characterize somatic mutations in human tissues, launched in 2023. This platform builds on the 4D Nucleome Data Portal (https://data.4dnucleome.org/) we have built (2015-2025). These data portals are scalable web-based applications for analysis, annotation, visualization, and reporting of genomic data, based on an AWS back-end.
We are looking for an experienced senior software engineer who wants:
To lead and work in a small team of developers (about 10 people), data analysts, and scientists, utilizing the state-of-the-art technologies and following best practices for big data, particularly human genomics data
To build an open-source data portal for genomics.
To gain practical experience with all the technologies the platform is based on.
To conduct systems analysis, design, development, and implementation of new web applications.
To be able to take courses at the Harvard Extension school to extend knowledge and skill sets at very little cost (optional).
To enjoy other excellent benefits Harvard University has to offer.
To contribute to science and healthcare through software engineering.
Our 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).
The responsibilities of this senior software engineer include:
Owning, developing, and maintaining infrastructure and back-end for all various data portals.
Guiding decision making, driving development and prioritization of cross-functional features to support the SMaHT Data Portal that is rapidly developing, as well as the other data portals that are established and need maintenance.
Being self-sufficient, owning features from end-to-end.
The successful candidate will gain hand-on experience with and master the following technologies:
Python
ElasticSearch/Postgres
Cloud computing (using Amazon Web Services)
Docker
RESTful APIs building and consuming (e.g. via Python Pyramid)
Basic Qualifications
Minimum of seven years? post-secondary education or relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
BA/BS degree in Computer Science or related technical field.
Experience in software development or related technical field.
Excellent coding skills with Python or other modern programming language(s); Python preferred.
Extensive experience with AWS Cloud, with particular emphasis on ElasticSearch, RDS, Elastic Container Service, Lambdas, ElasticCache/Redis, SQS, CloudFormation, EC2, S3, etc.
Ability to define and solve logical problems for highly technical applications.
Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical colleagues.
Ability to work independently, manage own time, and learn quickly.
Ability to select, adapt, and effectively use a variety of programming techniques and technologies, such as Python, shell scripting, JavaScript, AWS, curl/Postman, etc.
3+ years experience in software development or related technical fields; preferred experience with the development and management of infrastructure components based on the AWS ecosystem.
Strong Python coding skills, particularly a strong understanding of the Python ecosystem, with significant practical experience with related tools (e.g. poetry, pip, pyenv, pdb).
Experience working with large amounts of data and building data pipelines.
Experience in Web application development, and API design (and consumption).
Strong familiarity with, awareness of, and commitment to best security practices.
Familiarity with Web stack (Python pyramid), including protocols and Web server optimization techniques.
Experience with additional Cloud Computing services/architectures in addition to AWS (which is required).
Experience with automated unit and integration testing, continuous integration/deployment, GitHub.
Knowledge of general Web authentication/authorization technologies and experience with Auth0.
Experience or strong interest in working in the environment of DNA sequencing data processing and analysis and bioinformatics desired.
UI/JavaScript/React experience a plus.
Additional Information
This is a two-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
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.
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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.
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.
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.