Academic Jobs - Home of Higher Ed Logo
Harvard University Jobs

Harvard University

Research Software Engineer

Closes:

1,220
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.

About the Department of Biomedical Informatics:

Our Lab

Join our team of researchers, engineers, and designers to shape a future in which humans and AI collaborate to solve the most challenging biological and medical problems!

The HIDIVE Lab in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School is conducting research at the interface human and artificial intelligence. We create methods and tools that enable humans and machines alike to interact with and generate insights from biomedical data. In our work, we combine state-of-the-art biomedical informatics, data visualization, and AI/ML techniques across the full spectrum of biomedical data. An overview of recent publications of the lab can be found on Google Scholar https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=YEcBVFAAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate.

We value diverse viewpoints, creative thinking, and bold initiative in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary work environment. The HIDIVE Lab has an international reputation for creating high impact data visualization tools and we are driven to solve the most challenging design and engineering problems where biomedical data, humans, and AI meet. We would love to have you on our team!

Our Research

We are currently looking for a Research Software Engineer who wants to contribute to our mission by leading software projects in one or more of the following areas:
  • Generative AI for visual exploration of biomedical data
  • Mixed Reality for 2D and 3D tissue data visualization in spatial biology
  • Multimodal spatial and single-cell data visualization
  • 2D and 3D bioimaging data visualization
  • Data analysis and data management infrastructure for biomedical data visualization
Our Resources

The HIDIVE Lab participates in large-scale collaborative projects such as:Through these projects, we have access to a large number of data sets across many data modalities as well as large user audiences and collaborators who are leading experts in their biomedical domains. We are also working with many individual collaborators at Harvard and beyond, who bring their computational, data science, and biomedical expertise to our projects.

Our work also benefits from multiple research software products (e.g., HiGlass, Vitessce, Gosling, HuBMAP Data Portal User Interface, etc.) that the HIDIVE Lab has developed and maintains through a team of engineers and designers. These products are used by individual scientists, consortia, and companies all over the world and can serve as a framework to implement and disseminate the outcomes of our research.

Job Description

As a Research Software Engineer in the lab, you will take an engineering and research leadership role and be in charge of one or more software projects. This will include:
  • Software Development: Design, implement, and maintain open-source research software tools for the visualization and analysis of genomic, single-cell, and spatial omics data.
  • Project Leadership: Take engineering and research ownership of one or more software projects, developing and executing project strategy and roadmaps.
  • Software Maintenance and Quality: Establish and uphold engineering best practices, including code review, testing, continuous integration, documentation, and release management, to ensure long-term sustainability of lab software.
  • Research and Publication: Lead the writing of peer-reviewed publications describing novel methods, tools, and applications, and present work at scientific conferences.
  • Community Building and Outreach: Grow and support open-source user and developer communities through documentation, tutorials, workshops, issue triage, and engagement with external contributors.
  • Collaboration: Work with collaborators in national and international research consortia and with domain scientists to gather requirements, integrate tools into their workflows, and deliver on joint milestones.
  • User Research: Conduct user studies and gather feedback from domain scientists to inform tool design and prioritization.
  • Data Standards: Contribute to the development and adoption of community data standards and file formats for genomic and spatial omics data.
  • Funding Acquisition: Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and pursue industry sponsorship and other funding opportunities to sustain and expand software projects.
  • Mentorship: Mentor and supervise trainees, including interns, Masters and PhD students, as well as staff members, on software engineering practices and research methods.
  • Teaching: Participate in teaching activities, such as guest lectures, course modules, or training sessions.
  • Infrastructure and Deployment: In collaboration with the engineering team, deploy, monitor, and maintain cloud-based and on-premise services supporting lab software and data portals.
Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:
  • Minimum of seven years' post-secondary education or relevant work experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
  • Doctoral degree in biomedical informatics, computer science, computational biology, data science or a related field- strongly preferred.
  • 5+ years software engineering experience with focus on web applications.
  • 5+ years experience in data analysis and visualization of single-cell and spatial biology data.
  • 5+ years biomedical data research experience.
  • 5+ years experience working in large scale collaborative research projects in academic/publicly funded research, track record of leading major academic research software projects.
  • 3+ years experience in open source software development and community building.
  • 3+ years experience in training and community outreach.
  • 1+ years experience in mentoring trainees and staff.
  • Proven success in publishing in bioinformatics and computational biology venues.
  • Data visualization research experience.
  • Python and R software development.
  • Grant writing skills.
Additional Information
  • Term: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
  • 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.
#LI-DK1

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 059. 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
Research Software Engineer
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Published
Aug 31, 2026
Closes:
Oct 30, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Laboratory and Research

Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!

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.

Visit the employer page

Hire Experts… Post a Job

Post a Job

Roles… Create a Job Alert

Related Jobs

View All Jobs
Cambridge, Massachusetts459

Animal Technician I / Cage Washer

Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts703

Research Assistant III - Brain Targeting Program

Harvard University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania70

Research Associate Position in Kidney Genetics and Genomics

University of Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania65

Research Associate - School of Computer Science - CBD

Carnegie Mellon University
Madison, Wisconsin74

Radius Research Image Analyst - Clinical Division

University of Wisconsin - Madison
Salt Lake City, Utah57

Animal Care Technicians

University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah71

Animal Care Technicians (Aquatics)

University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah70

Clinical Research Coordinators

University of Utah