Job Description

We have an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Bioinformatics Specialist to join the Sankaran lab at Boston Children's Hospital. The Sankaran Laboratory uses human genetics to study hematopoiesis and how this process goes awry in human disease. We are particularly interested in gaining molecular insights into how hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells can effectively produce mature blood and immune cells. We integrate modern human genetic studies with functional studies, employing a variety of innovative genomic technologies and more traditional hematopoietic assays. Additionally, we develop genomic tools, including cellular barcoding approaches and single-cell technologies, to enable higher-resolution studies of human hematopoiesis in health and disease. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting:

About the Bioinformatics Specialist role:
You will perform professional work in support of scientific research in computational biology, human genetics, and bioinformatics using technical knowledge involving analyses of large genetic and genomic datasets, large-scale computational analyses, lead database management, reproducible analysis pipeline development, and software development in a complex computing environment designed for scientific research.  Working collaboratively with Dr. Sankaran, you will determine the most suitable computational approaches to be used in research. Independently perform scientific data analyses requiring application of professional judgment.  Interpret experimental results and determine whether they are consistent with experimental goals.  Review pertinent literature for information that will further research goals. Recommend appropriate data visualization methods for specific purposes.  Prepare reports of research findings for presentation or publication. You will have broad and general knowledge of approaches to data analysis and will have significant knowledge in a specific area of computing technology, bioinformatics, or computational biology. Computational analyses and management will represent over 75% of the activity associated with the work assigned.

What we provide:

• One on one mentoring relationship with the principal investigator, a pediatrician-scientist.

• Opportunity to work with a dynamic, diverse, and highly collaborative research team seeking to define how blood diseases arise and how better treatments can be developed.

• Access to several vibrant research communities in the Boston area, including at Boston Children's Hospital, the broader Longwood medical area centered around Harvard Medical School, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

• Close interactions with colleagues and collaborators in human genetics and computational biology.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development, including the opportunity to attend scientific conferences, as well as opportunities to make scientific contributions.

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

What you’ll do:

• Manage laboratory computing infrastructure.

• Review existing computer frameworks to ensure it meets the needs of the lab. Initiates exploration of new resources, as needed for the lab.

• Develop and lead new computational analyses of human genetic datasets to achieve goals of laboratory.

• Work closely with other lab scientists to understand analytical workflows and help improve quality and performance in data acquisition and analysis. Develops software to meet analytical needs of lab.

• Evaluate, develop, and test software and computational solutions to support experimental and analytical workflows.

• Design, prototype and implement computational algorithms for processing large datasets in various languages and frameworks.

• Train laboratory staff in the use of computational resources.

• Perform research projects as assigned by the Investigator.

• Work on or manage projects where the time frame may not be clear and where end results may be uncertain. 

What you bring:

• Master’s degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related discipline. PhD preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience. Knowledge of statistics helpful.

• Two years of related research experience in computational biology and bioinformatics.

• Technical proficiency in analysis of human genetic datasets, including use of Python and R, as well as command line. Familiarity with commonly used bioinformatics tools and file formats.

• Desire to produce clear, reproducible and maintainable code.

• Can resolve most problems without assistance or define assistance required for resolution.

• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a diverse team.

• In-depth knowledge of specific areas of computational analysis and of general underlying principles and concepts.

• Ability to review goals and determine which techniques and/or systems are required to meet them. Able to bring desired new database management and analytical capabilities to the lab with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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