Position Description

We offer an opportunity to support a cutting-edge laboratory that has so far been responsible for producing more than half of the world’s ancient DNA data. The successful candidate will assume a computational biologist/data scientist position and will work closely with scientists in the lab studying DNA from human remains up to 20,000 years ago.

Under limited supervision, this role is responsible for computational data analysis of the assigned project. Collaborates and consults with researchers and scientists to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, and design computational strategies for a project. Contributes to the design, development, implementation, and testing of bio-computing tools. Ability to communicate analyzed data to analysts writing scientific papers


An article on our laboratory ancient DNA work can be found here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/20/science/david-reich-human-migrations.html


The John Templeton Foundation “Ancient DNA Atlas of Humanity” initiative that supports this work is described here:
https://www.templeton.org/news/john-templeton-foundation-awards-15-5m-for-ancient-dna-atlas-of-humanity

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in in computer science, data science or relevant field and 3+ years of relevant experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Fluency in a scripting language (e.g. Python or Perl)
• Linux/Unix proficiency
• a minimum of 4 years of work experience or a master’s degree along with a minimum of 2 years of experience are required for this position

This is an ideal opportunity for candidates with several different backgrounds:

• Recent graduates with college or masters degrees in bioinformatics or computer science more
• generally
• Experienced bioinformatician with a background in processing genomic data.
• Experienced data scientist who has broad experience working with data and databases We are looking for candidates intending to stay for an extended period (at least three years).
• Some experience in biology or genomics
• SQL database experience
• High-Performance Computing experience (SLURM)
• Interest in anthropology, archaeology or history (need not be professional)
• Excellent written, documentation, and oral communication skills
• Ability to multi-task

Additional Information

This is a one-year term position with strong potential for renewal.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston. 

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety, and well-being of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to complete an attestation of having received their primary series COVID-19 vaccination prior to hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Individuals may request exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons prior to completing the hiring process. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.

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

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.