Research Associate/Research Scientist

Harvard University - Boston, MA

Full-time - Senior

Boston, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The successful candidate will work with Drs. Curtis Huttenhower and Wendy Garrett on scientific coordination for the Harvard Chan Microbiome in Public Health Center. This role involves high-level scientific planning, reporting, outreach, and mentoring, collaborating with both computational and experimental scientists across multiple labs. The position offers opportunities for project planning, preparation of presentations, proposals, and manuscripts, as well as funding reporting and coordination with the broader HCMPH community.

Responsibilities

• Provide deep technical expertise for project planning, execution, and mentoring in microbial genetics/molecular biology or microbial genomics/computational biology.
• Mentor Ph.D. and postdoctoral scientists in microbiome research, including bioinformatic screening and gnotobiotic mouse screens.
• Prepare scientific texts, particularly manuscripts and project reports with trainees and Dr. Huttenhower.
• Develop new research goals and methods for HCMPH and identify new scientific opportunities.
• Manage scientific staff and trainees, including hiring, mentoring, and performance reviews.
• Interact with internal and external contacts, including scientists, engineers, and clinicians.
• Oversee data generation and analysis across collaborators for HCMPH.
• Collaborate with microbiome-related study and technology platforms at Harvard Chan School and Broad Institute.
• Advocate for HCMPH through scientific communication and presentations at conferences.
• Outreach to industry and foundation partners for project and bioactive lead development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, or related fields with at least 5 years of related experience.
• Combination of molecular biology and computational expertise preferred.
• Experience in coordinating collaborative experimental or computational microbiology projects.
• Excellent record of contributions, publications, and presentations in scientific leadership roles.
• Ability to interact with and influence interdisciplinary scientists, engineers, and clinicians.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and shift priorities rapidly.
• Excellent staff oversight and mentoring skills.
• Demonstrated success in working on complex, novel research problems.