GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
A motivated and skilled computational/bioinformatics research technician is currently being sought to join the Gastroenterology Division of the Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Genetics Division of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. In this position, the candidate will play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying human liver diseases through the application of state-of-the-art genomics technology, particularly single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, RNA seq and/or proteomics. The primary focus of this role will be on bioinformatics analysis of RNA-seq and single-cell RNA seq datasets generated by the laboratory focusing on liver diseases, and modeling using zebrafish, mouse, and human samples.
Responsibilities will include working collaboratively with the research team to extract meaningful insights from complex genomic datasets, contributing to the interpretation of results, and employing bioinformatics tools for in-depth analysis. This role will provide a unique opportunity for individuals to engage in critical thinking about data, stay abreast of relevant scientific literature, and propose innovative computational directions within the field.
Under the guidance of experts in the field, the successful candidate will gain valuable experience in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of diverse datasets, with a particular emphasis on bioinformatics of next generation sequencing datasets. The research environment is highly conducive to individuals interested in eventually pursuing medical, graduate, combined MD-PhD or public health advanced degrees.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Bioinformatics data pre-processing (e.g., alignment of sequencing data)
2. Bioinformatics analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data
3. Quantitative single-cell image analysis
4. Scripting in Python or R
5. Machine learning as pertains understanding gene expression
6. Statistical analysis of experimental data
7. Organization of laboratory code
8. Maintenance of backup systems for laboratory data
9. Discusses progress of work regularly with supervisor.
10. All other duties, as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Technician will be embedded in the Wolfram Goessling laboratory at the New Research Building (77 Avenue Louis Pasteur) in Boston, Massachusetts, located in the Harvard Longwood Medical Area. The laboratory has 7-12 other scientists at varying stages (technician, graduate student, postdoc) of training. The environment is collaborative and nurturing.
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
- Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
- Enthusiasm and initiative to quickly learn new techniques and work independently
- Prior programming experience is required: Python experience preferred, or self-sufficiency in R
- Candidates with hands-on experience analyzing RNA-seq data are strongly preferred
- Some machine learning experience is preferred
- Experience in version control
- Ability to perform and prioritize tasks
- Professionalism; good interpersonal and communication skills
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor's degree required with either a concentration in computer science, data science, or bioinformatics, biomedical engineering), or exceptional experience with programming and concentration in biomedical sciences (e.g, Biochemistry, Biology, Genetics) or physical sciences (Mathematics, Physics).
EXPERIENCE:
- College level biology coursework or biomedical laboratory experience preferred
- Research experience with an outstanding academic record
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):
- A Research Technician II may serve as a team leader to lab assistants and Research Technician I’s.
EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.