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Harvard University

Data Scientist/Computational Biologist

Closes:

521

Posting date: August 21, 2026

  • Job Type: Full-time
  • Location: Boston
  • School/Unit: Harvard Medical School
  • Department: Biomedical Informatics
  • Salary Grade: 057
  • Job Function: Information Technology
  • Work Format: Hybrid
  • FLSA Status: Exempt
  • Term Appointment: No
  • Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Description

The Core for Computational Biomedicine (CCB) in the Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI) at Harvard Medical School (HMS) is looking for an experienced Data Scientist/Computational Biologist to advance in CCB’s mission to leverage data and computation to transform research and improve health. CCB provides computational and analytic resources to advance scientific discovery within HMS through its multi-disciplinary team of computational and quantitative scientists who work on collaborative projects both within the center and with members of the HMS community. The role will involve processing, analyzing, and integrating public and newly generated single-cell and spatial multi-omics datasets in collaboration with experimental labs at HMS. This will include developing sustainable tools, software packages, and integrated data science products that empower research labs to explore, analyze, and interpret their data. The data sources will often be at the leading edge of scientific discovery and will therefore require methodological work, algorithm development, and technical developments. The ideal candidate will be proficient in R and/or Python, have strong quantitative, analytical, and communication skills, and will be able to work independently and collaboratively on scientific problems and deliver solutions. There will be opportunities for working in teams and independent decision making at all levels of bioinformatic processing and statistical analysis of the data, as well as examining, evaluating, and recommending analytical approaches to collaborating labs. In addition, methodological developments for novel and challenging data analysis and integration tasks arise frequently requiring originality and creativity, including designing and analyzing follow-up experiments.

Responsibilities include:

  • Collaboration on development and maintenance of scalable, reproducible pipelines
    Collaborate with the CCB team to design, implement, document, and maintain robust analysis workflows (e.g., QC, integration, statistical modeling, reporting) to support repeatable, high-quality computational research across multiple projects.
  • AI-enabled methods and applied research tooling
    Apply knowledge of AI and computational research methods to evaluate and implement AI-assisted approaches that accelerate research workflows (e.g., knowledge extraction, annotation support, literature review and writing workflows) while ensuring scientific rigor, reproducibility, and responsible use.
  • Training, workshops, and internal enablement
    Provide technical guidance and deliver hands-on workshops and learning materials for HMS researchers; provide office hours and consultation to promote best practices in computational biology, reproducible research, and AI-enabled workflows.
  • Open-source software and biomedical data asset development
    Building and maintaining open-source software and data resources (including distribution through established ecosystems such as Bioconductor and PyPI), support releases and user documentation, and engage with external developer communities to increase adoption and impact.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • PhD in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Statistics or related field- strongly preferred.
  • Substantial experience in analyzing genetic, genomic, or image data.
  • Ability to program at a high level in R or Python.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Experience with analyzing single-cell and spatial omics data.
  • Working knowledge of git or similar tools for scientific software development.
  • Experience writing data publishing tools that support user interaction such as RStudio's Shiny or Connect applications.
  • Experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch. Ability to work on teams.
  • Strong communication skills.

Additional Information

  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
  • Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Job details

Title
Data Scientist/Computational Biologist
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Boston
Published
Aug 26, 2026
Closes:
Oct 25, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Computer and Information Technology

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications are required for the Data Scientist/Computational Biologist role?

The minimum requirement is five years of post-secondary education or relevant work experience. A PhD in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field is strongly preferred. Candidates should have substantial experience analyzing genetic, genomic, or image data and be able to program at a high level in R or Python. Experience with single-cell and spatial omics data is highly valued. Review an academic CV guide before applying.

🧬What does the Core for Computational Biomedicine (CCB) Data Scientist do?

The role supports the Core for Computational Biomedicine (CCB) in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School. You will process, analyze, and integrate public and newly generated single-cell and spatial multi-omics datasets, build scalable, reproducible pipelines, apply AI-enabled methods, and deliver training and open-source software. Explore related research jobs in higher education.

🛂Does Harvard Medical School sponsor visas for this Data Scientist/Computational Biologist position?

No. Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already have work authorization that does not require Harvard sponsorship. You can browse more university jobs if you are exploring U.S. higher education roles.

🏢Is the Data Scientist/Computational Biologist position remote or on-site?

This is a hybrid position. Some duties can be performed at a non-Harvard location, but the schedule and location are set by the department. Employees in hybrid roles must work in a Harvard registered state when not on campus. Standard hours are 35 hours per week. See remote and hybrid higher ed jobs for similar openings.

💻What technical skills are most important for this computational biology role?

Priority skills include high-level programming in R or Python, experience with single-cell and spatial omics, git for scientific software development, and data publishing tools like Shiny or Connect. Familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch is also preferred. Learn more about what a data scientist does in higher education.

💰What salary and benefits can I expect at Harvard Medical School?

The posted salary grade is 057, but no specific range is listed in the posting. Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance from day one, retirement plans, generous paid time off, tuition assistance, and wellbeing resources. Use the research jobs search to compare similar roles.

About the employer

Harvard University Jobs

Harvard University

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. These roles focus primarily on teaching or short-term research projects and may require a Ph.D. or significant expertise in the field. Research Appointments : Postdoctoral fellowships, research associates, and scientists work on cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. These positions often require advanced degrees and are funded through grants or specific research programs. 2. Administrative and Professional Staff Administrative Roles : These include positions in academic administration (e.g., deans’ offices, registrar, admissions), student services, and program management. Examples include academic program coordinators, admissions officers, and financial aid advisors. These roles often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant experience. Professional Staff : Harvard employs professionals in areas like human resources, finance, communications, development (fundraising), and alumni relations. Examples include HR specialists, financial analysts, and marketing managers. These positions typically require specialized skills or certifications. Executive and Leadership Roles : Senior positions like directors, department heads, or executive administrators oversee operations in specific units or schools. These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills. 3. Research and Laboratory Staff Research Support Staff : Includes lab managers, research technicians, and data analysts who support faculty and postdoctoral researchers in labs across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. These roles often require technical skills, such as proficiency in lab equipment or data analysis software. Clinical Research Roles : At Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals, clinical research coordinators and specialists support medical and health-related studies. These positions may require certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. 4. Technical and IT Staff Information Technology : Harvard employs IT professionals for roles like systems administrators, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists to support its technological infrastructure. These positions require expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or network management. Library and Information Services : Harvard’s extensive library system hires librarians, archivists, and digital resource specialists. These roles often require a master’s degree in library science or related fields. 5. Support and Operations Staff Facilities and Operations : Includes roles in maintenance, custodial services, groundskeeping, and security. These positions ensure the smooth operation of Harvard’s campus and may not require advanced degrees but often need specific training or certifications. Dining and Hospitality : Harvard’s dining services employ chefs, food service workers, and catering staff to support campus dining halls and events. Administrative Support : Roles like executive assistants, office managers, and receptionists provide critical support to departments and faculty. 6. Student and Temporary Opportunities Student Employment : Harvard offers on-campus jobs for students, including work-study positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and administrative offices. These roles are typically part-time and designed to accommodate academic schedules. Temporary and Seasonal Work : Temporary roles, such as event staff or short-term project assistants, are available for non-students as well. These are often listed through Harvard’s temporary staffing services. 7. Medical and Healthcare Roles Clinical and Healthcare Staff : Through Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), opportunities exist for physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. These roles require medical licenses or certifications. Public Health Professionals : The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health employs researchers, policy analysts, and program managers focused on global health initiatives. 8. Creative and Media Roles Arts and Culture : Harvard’s museums (e.g., Harvard Art Museums) and cultural institutions hire curators, educators, and exhibition staff. The American Repertory Theater employs artists, stage managers, and production staff. Communications and Media : Roles in writing, graphic design, social media, and public relations support Harvard’s outreach and branding efforts. Key Characteristics of Harvard Jobs Diversity of Roles : Harvard’s workforce spans academic, administrative, technical, and operational functions, with opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Competitive Benefits : Harvard offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development. Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.

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