Bioinformatician I (Neuroscience & Genetics/Genomics)
Job Summary:
Exciting opportunity at Boston Children’s Hospital in a cutting edge developmental neuroscience laboratory using emerging techniques in single cell sequencing (scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, spatial transcriptomics, multi-modal sequencing) to understand the molecular mechanisms of motor neuron diseases, including congenital disorders of eye movement (http://www.childrenshospital.org/research/labs/engle-laboratory).
The primary focus of this position is the computational analysis and integration of single cell transcriptomic, genomic and epigenomic data generated in the laboratory of Dr. Elizabeth Engle. This computational position will also provide the opportunity to translate in silico findings to the bench in order to understand the fundamental biology of neuronal development and disease. Direct supervision will be provided by a senior computational biologist/postdoctoral fellow. In addition, this position will also be mentored by and meet frequently with Dr. Engle.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Data Analysis: Works closely with and under the direction of the direct manager and Principal Investigator (PI) in applying existing computational methods and/or developing novel methods to answer specific questions about cranial motor neuron development. Specific projects may include:
- Analysis of single cell sequencing data from primary and stem cell-derived neuronal cell types;
- Learn and implement machine learning approaches to analyze and integrate transcriptomic, epigenomic, and deeply phenotyped patient whole genome sequence data;
- Analysis of structural variation from patient whole genome and exome sequencing data;
- Opportunities to drive in silico analyses and translate to research at the bench.
- Analysis Result Reports: Generates and interprets comprehensive scientific documentation in the form of scientifically rigorous and reproducible code and methods prose for manuscripts; generates scientifically rigorous and high-quality visualizations; and provides regular scientific updates and group presentations.
- Manuscripts, Grants, and Intellectual Property: Contributes to the preparation of manuscripts, grants, and intellectual property including writing of bioinformatics methods and design, relevant results, and data tables and graphs.
- Consultation and Collaboration: Advises researchers on how to rigorously design, collect, and analyze experimental and computational data.
Preferred Qualifications:
- B.S. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or related field with an interest in solving biomedical problems, or B.S. in Biology, Chemistry or a closely related field with experience analyzing large and complex datasets.
- Fluency in programming and data management using python, C/C++, R, or equivalent computer languages/environments.
- Basic knowledge in genetics, molecular biology, and neuroscience are preferred, but not required. Candidates must be willing to learn necessary biology as it relates to appropriate computational analyses.
- Ability and willingness to collaborate with lab members with varying backgrounds and abilities.
- Precise and thorough documentation and organizational skills.
Application Process
- Application review will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.
- Please submit an application to Tammy Chu (Administrative Coordinator) at tammy.chu@childrens.harvard.edu with the subject line “First & last name: Application for Bioinformatician.” Required documents include:
- Cover letter including summary of your research experience, scientific interests, and academic and career goals and the subject line: “Re: Application for Bioinformatician”
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic transcript (unofficial acceptable)
- Reference list including contact information (minimum of 3 and must include at least 1 academic reference)
- Compile all documents into one PDF file in the order listed above and name file “Application_First & Last Name.”
- As part of the interview process, first-round candidates will be required to complete an analytical exercise; instruction will be provided in advance. Second-round finalists will be required to give a 20-minute talk on their undergraduate or graduate research.