Computer Analyst– Sankaran Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health and welfare benefits

Collaborative research environment

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in Boston invites a Computer Analyst to join the Sankaran lab at Boston Children's Hospital. You will execute and monitor computational workflows (HPC/Cloud), generate research outputs, and assist with troubleshooting while documenting work and improving reproducible research practices.

The role offers close collaboration with genetics and computational biology teams, opportunities to contribute to publications, and a comprehensive benefits package with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field or equivalent experience.
• Strong programming/scripting in Python, R, and/or Bash.
• Experience with Linux/Unix, command-line tools, and Git version control.
• Attention to detail and ability to spot inconsistencies in analyses.
• Ability to learn unfamiliar tools and workflows independently.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience with large data sets or HPC/cloud workloads is a plus.
• Experience with data visualization and statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Execute and monitor computational workflows (HPC/Cloud) using established tools and pipelines under supervision.
• Generate research outputs (tables, figures, statistics) and communicate progress to the team.
• Assist lab members with troubleshooting and routine tasks.
• Perform quality checks and elevate non-routine problems with logs and observations.
• Develop and document computational workflows and reproducible research practices.
• Opportunity to contribute to publications depending on experience and interests.

Skills

Python

R

Bash

Linux/Unix

Git

Data visualization

Reproducible research practices

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer-related field

Tools

Nextflow

HPC

Cloud platforms

Job description

Primary Work Address: 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115

About the role

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Computer Analyst 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: https://www.bloodgenes.org/.

What we provide

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

What you’ll do

Execute and monitor computational workflows (HPC/Cloud) using established tools and pipelines under the guidance of the computational lead. Generate research outputs (tables, figures, summary statistics) and communicate progress, findings, and issues to the team in a timely manner. Assist lab members with troubleshooting and routine tasks. Perform quality checks, troubleshoot routine computational errors, and elevate non-routine problems to the computational lead with relevant logs, diagnostics, and observations. Develop, document, and improve computational workflows, automation scripts, and reproducible research practices. Depending on experience and interests, the position may provide opportunities to develop increasingly independent computational analyses and contribute to research publications. The candidate should be comfortable asking questions when requirements are unclear, documenting their work, and communicating unexpected results rather than simply producing an output without verification. You will meet regularly with the computational lead, as well as the lab PI (at least biweekly) to review ongoing work and strategize.

What you bring

• Bachelor's degree in computer-related field; or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Demonstrated programming or scripting experience in Python, R, and/or Bash.
• Experience with Linux/Unix environments, command-line tools, and collaborating through Git version control.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify inconsistencies or unexpected results in computational analyses.
• Ability to learn unfamiliar computational tools and workflows independently.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize tasks in consultation with the computational lead, communicate progress, and meet agreed-upon deadlines.
• Experience working with large datasets or computational workloads on HPC or cloud platforms is a plus.
• Experience with workflow-management systems such as Nextflow is a plus.
• Experience with data visualization and statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with reproducible computational research practices is a plus.

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.

Compensation and Benefits

Hiring Pay Range $65,600.00 - $82,000.00
Pay Type: Annual The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is an independent, ever-evolving philanthropy that supports basic biomedical scientists and educators with the potential for transformative impact. We make long-term investments in people, not just projects, because we believe in the power of individuals to make breakthroughs over time.

Why HHMI

To move science forward we need a diverse collection of talents, expertise, and backgrounds in scientific research and science education, as well as communications, finance, human resources, information technology, investments, law, and operations. At HHMI, we encourage collaborative and results-driven working styles and offer an adaptable environment where employees can do their best work. What makes us strong is the diversity of our perspectives. We work to promote a culture of inclusion in our work environments and across the greater scientific community. To find more information about us and the steps we’re taking to make HHMI a more inclusive organization, visit our About Us page.

Accommodation & Rights

For accommodation related to completing the job application, contact us at [e-mail]. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Applicants have rights under federal employment laws. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please review these posters: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Know Your Rights, and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).