Research Scientist I - Viral Genomics Group - Sabeti Lab

Description & Requirements

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is a leading biomedical research institute dedicated to the bold mission of using the full power of genomics to transform the understanding and treatment of disease. The Broad Institute seeks to describe all of the molecular components of life and their connections; discover the molecular basis of major human diseases; develop effective new approaches to diagnostics and therapeutics; and disseminate discoveries, tools, methods, and data openly to the entire scientific community. Founded in 2004 by Eric Lander and philanthropists Eli and Edythe L. Broad, the Broad Institute ncludes faculty, professional staff, and students from throughout the MIT and Harvard biomedical research communities and beyond, with collaborations spanning more than a hundred private and public institutions in more than 40 countries worldwide.
About the Role This role is part of the Sabeti Lab's work as a CDC's Pathogen Genomics Center of Excellence (PGCoE) and within NIH's Human Virome Program (HVP), developing and scaling novel genomic methods to track the spread and evolution of viruses and other pathogens and characterize the largely unexplored collection of viruses and bacteriophages present in healthy humans.
The position offers an excellent opportunity to participate in a dynamic research environment where teaching and mentorship are a priority. Your work will be central to several major research projects and efforts to advance genomic surveillance of pathogens and cataloging of commensal viruses, including collaborations with other groups at the Broad Institute, across the United States, and internationally. This position will allow for professional advancement, skill development, and co-authorship on publications.
This role is centered on method development, bridging advanced molecular biology tech dev and pilot studies with automation and scaling capabilities. You will operate in a highly matrixed team environment, leading efforts across the group. This position balances high-level experimental design (approx. 60% bench) with strategic project leadership, data analysis, consortium coordination, and mentorship (40%).

Key Responsibilities:

• Method Development: Drive the innovation of agnostic metagenomic sequencing and other NGS technologies, including enrichment and depletion strategies to maximize viral signal detection in complex metagenomic samples.
• Automation & Scaling: Design and implement automated laboratory workflows; work closely with automation engineers to scale tech dev protocols for high-throughput production environments.
• Matrixed Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with internal and external partners to achieve project objectives. Navigate complex organizational structures to ensure alignment between laboratory results and computational requirements.
• Programmatic Contribution: Support the strategic aims of both HVP (discovery of novel viral dark matter) and PGCoE (public health outbreak response) through the implementation of robust genomic tools.
• Scientific Strategy: Contribute to high-impact publications and contribute to grant strategy for expanding virome and pathogen genomics research.
• Mentorship & Supervision: Manage and mentor Research Associates; provide career development guidance and manage performance within the matrixed framework.

Requirements:

• Education: PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Experience: 0-2 + years of postdoctoral or relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experiene working and leading within a matrixed team environment is a plus.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced expertise in sample preparation and Illumina NGS technologies, including a deep understanding of kit chemistries and reagents
• Proven tracknrecord in developing and optimizing molecular biology protocols
• Experience with laboratory automation and scaling genomic assays.
• Proficiency in cloud-based genomic analysis is highly desirable.

Competencies:

• Elevated scientific creativity and complex problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for representing the Broad at HVP and PGCoE consortium meetings.
• Resilience and the ability to drive progress in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law. At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits.
The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
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