Computer Analyst– Sankaran Lab

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Total rewards

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)—Boston Children's Hospital Sankaran lab—is seeking a Computer Analyst to develop, execute, and optimize computational pipelines for hematopoiesis research. You will collaborate with the computational lead and other scientists to expand lab capacity, troubleshoot workflows, and produce rigorous, reproducible analyses.

The role emphasizes modular, well-documented code and the ability to learn new tools, while contributing to publications as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency with Python, R and Bash.
• Experience in Linux/Unix environments and command-line tools; Git version control.

Responsibilities

• Execute and monitor computational workflows (HPC/Cloud) using established tools and pipelines under guidance.
• Generate research outputs (tables, figures, summary statistics) and communicate progress to the team.
• Assist lab members with troubleshooting and routine tasks; perform quality checks and escalate non-routine problems.
• Develop, document, and improve computational workflows, automation scripts, and reproducible research practices.
• Opportunity to contribute to increasingly independent analyses and research publications.

Skills

Python

R

Bash

Linux/Unix

Git

Data visualization

Statistics

Reproducible research

HPC/Cloud

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer-related field

Job description

Primary Work Address: 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115We 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/About the role:Join our lab to help drive forward our quantitative and computational research. In this role, you'll work closely with our computational lead and fellow scientists, playing a key part in expanding the lab's capacity and speed in tackling computational challenges.We're looking for someone who thrives on taking ownership of well-defined, modular projects, someone who writes clean, well-documented, reproducible code and brings a critical eye to interpreting results within their research context. As you grow in the role, you'll gain increasing independence, while knowing when to loop in the computational lead or PI on trickier problems.This position is a great fit if you enjoy:Building reproducible computational pipelinesPicking up new tools and technologies with curiosityCollaborating across a variety of research projectsWhat 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 escalate 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 RequirementsRemaining 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.#LI-LL1Compensation and BenefitsOur employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.Hiring Pay Range$65,600.00 - $82,000.00Pay Type:AnnualThe 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.HHMI is an Equal Opportunity EmployerWe use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.