Applications Analyst
Cambridge, MA

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Shalek lab (http://shaleklab.com/) is hiring a computational technician to work on an expansive data management and curation project to benefit the global single cell RNA-seq community. As the popularity of single cell RNA-seq has ballooned in recent years, the amount of data available has become substantial. Because there is no standard format for sharing analyzed data, it is difficult for researchers to compare their results to similar projects or investigate specific biological questions in existing data without substantial time and computational skills. A major goal of this project is to create a user-friendly platform that allows biologists, with and without computational skills, to interface and process data across species, diseases, and tissues. The Shalek lab is collaborating with the Single Cell Portal (SCP) at the Broad Institute to build an interface for data and metadata curation and query targeted toward the infectious disease community. We are seeking a team member to interface between the software engineering team at the Broad Institute and the computational biology team in the Shalek lab.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As part of this project, computational biologists in the Shalek lab will work to build analysis tools that will be run through the SCP. Software engineers on the SCP team will implement interactive GUIs to allow researchers to interact with these software tools. We are looking for a candidate who can:

* Communicate and define the project scope and objectives of tools to the SCP team and the computational biologists in the Shalek Lab


* Become a liasian between both teams to ensure a mutual understanding of the requirements of the software tools


* Envision the bigger picture of the project and assist in breaking down large tasks and delegating them to members of the Shalek lab


* Notify group members about tasks to be completed by deadlines outlined by the granting agency (coordinate project schedule)


* Solicit feedback from the infectious disease community and stakeholders about applications of the tools


* Analyze the feedback from both teams and facilitate decision making to maintain project milestones and progress in a timely manner.



SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Required skills:

* Experience/knowledge of software development cycles
* Computer literacy
* Experience working in a team environment

Desired skills:

Experience in research lab, excellent communication skills, some basic knowledge of molecular biology, great organizational skills, enjoys working in a dynamic team environment.

* Ability to work independently and as a team member
* Good communication skills
* Working knowledge of clinical research protocols
* Ability to perform multiple tasks independently

The Applications Analyst should also possess:

* Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems
* Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
* Working knowledge of data management programs
* Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree required.

EXPERIENCE:

New graduates with some lab experience (via course work, internships, etc.) or those without any prior research experience will be considered for the position outlined above.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree required.

EXPERIENCE:

New graduates with some lab experience (via course work, internships, etc.) or those without any prior research experience will be considered for the position outlined above.