Computer Scientist

Position Description

This position is for a computer scientist to run a data core unit that will support the efforts of a project focused on the relationship between neural activity and behavior. We are seeking a software engineer to work at the intersection of neurobiology and data science on a large-scale project to understand the role of dopamine in animal cognition and emotion. The role will involve working closely with neuroscience labs around the country to build pipelines for data sharing, establish common processing standards and data/metadata storage formats, and create a unified data access portal. The resulting platform will be a critical access point for neuroscience researchers around the world, and will contribute to a growing movement in the sciences toward data sharing and collaboration.

Responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with labs around the country to collate information on experimental protocols, analysis pipelines and experimental data in a central database;
• Developing or adapting data/metadata standards to allow unified storage and access for protocols, pipelines and data;
• Creating a web-based portal for easy access to protocols, pipelines and data;
• Producing documentation and common standards that allow for continual expansion of the database, including the addition of more data/experiments or the inclusion of additional labs.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of five years' post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Proficiency in Python and javascript. Experience using version control (git) and data visualization libraries such as Jupyter, matplotlib, ggplot2, bokeh, seaborn, or another equivalent.
• Engineering background in a technical discipline such as computer science, statistics, math or data science.
• Experience building GUI-based front ends for intuitive data exploration.
• Familiarity with Neurobiology data processing tools (preferred), excellent communication skills (will be working as part of a consortium of several labs)
• At least two years of practical experience in computational data analysis.
• A background in biology preferred.

Additional Information

This is a 12-month term appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.

health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

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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Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.