Position Description

This position is for a computer scientist that will be part of a data core that will support the efforts of an NIH U19 project focused on the relationship 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 standardized data analysis, data sharing, establish common processing standards and data/metadata storage formats, and maintain 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; Maintaining and updating 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 two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, neuroscience or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python.
• 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.
• Experience with data management languages (mySQL, SQLite, or DataJoint).
• Familiarity with Neurobiology data processing tools (preferred), excellent communication skills (will be working as part of a consortium of several labs)

Additional Information

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

This position is based in Boston and some in-person on-campus work will be required, and flexible/remote work is an option. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process. *Note: Harvard employees working in California must be exempt.

The 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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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.