Position Description

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:

1. 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.
2. Perform computational analyses using pre-existing scripts under the direction of a senior bioinformatician.
3. Troubleshoot technical challenges and performing routine statistical analyses on research findings.
4. 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.)
5. 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.
6. Update lab pipelines and manage lab storage bi-monthly to ensure accessibility and efficient storage management.
7. Develop and expand skill sets to contribute collaboratively to various lab projects under the supervision of a senior scientist.
8. Support overall lab maintenance, including updating and repairing computational hardware as needed.

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• 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.

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. 
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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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   
https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/mission-community-values-diversity-statement

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.