Research Associate II - Viral Genomics Group - Sabeti Lab

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 includes 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 pathogen 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. We anticipate candidates will go on to pursue careers in medicine, public health, epidemiology, global health, and/or health policy research.

The primary focus of this position is the implementation and continuous improvement of pathogen-agnostic sequencing (metagenomics) approaches. You will work within a matrixed team environment, collaborating across the group to support the strategic aims of these high-impact programs. This role is ideal for a candidate who can effectively balance the execution of complex molecular biology protocols and the development/scaling of laboratory automation workflows, while also capably managing both routine and emergent sequencing requests.

Key Responsibilities

* Implementation of Agnostic Sequencing: Execute and troubleshoot pathogen-agnostic metagenomic workflows across diverse biospecimens to support HVP and PGCoE milestones.

* Method Improvement & Scaling: Support the development and refinement of molecular biology techniques; assist in the transition of manual protocols to automated liquid handling platforms (e.g., Bravo) to increase throughput and capacity.

* Matrixed Collaboration: Effectively coordinate with members of cross-functional teams, serving as a reliable team member across different projects.

* Laboratory Operations: Ensure meticulous sample tracking and metadata management
Data Quality Control: Interpret experimental results and evaluate data quality; recognize and report fundamental anomalies in sequencing outcomes to senior scientists.

* Data Analysis & Scientific Review: Assist with primary data analysis, perform systematic literature reviews, and synthesize relevant data.

* Mentorship: May coordinate and guide junior research associates for day-to-day project work.

Requirements

* Education: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

* Experience: Requires 2+ years of full time professional laboratory experience.

Technical Skills:

* Hands-on proficiency with Illumina NGS library preparation and sequencing.

* Strong molecular biology foundation (nucleic acid extraction, PCR, qPCR).

* Prior experience with laboratory automation and robotics a plus.

* Established understanding of good safety practices and clean laboratory procedures.

Competencies:

* Excellent communication skills for navigating collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams.

* Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage tasks across multiple active projects.

* Intellectual independence, initiative, and problem-solving capabilities.

* Willingness to work flexible hours and adapt to emerging demands.

The Broad Institute will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.

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.

Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact recruiting@broadinstitute.org for assistance.