Technician, Sequencing & Bioinformatics (Genome Technology Core)

Job Description

Job Description

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The Genomics Technology Core Technician serves as a central point of expertise for sequencing and analytical operations. This role bridges wet-lab execution and computational analysis, supporting both short- and long-read sequencing workflows. The Technician will help internal and external clients on sequencing technologies, guide project design, manage client communication, and deliver rigorous data pre-processing, quality control, and downstream analysis. Will contribute to hands-on support in the laboratory as needed.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• Advise clients on appropriate sequencing technologies (short-read, long-read, single-cell, spatial) and help define project parameters, expected outputs, and deliverables.

• Perform primary NGS data processing including demultiplexing, alignment, and quality assessment (FastQC, MultiQC, etc.).

• Conduct secondary analysis as required, including variant calling, differential expression, or genome assembly depending on project needs.

• Develop and maintain reproducible analysis pipelines.

• Use and update LIMS and genomics databases to track samples, datasets, and project metadata.

• Communicate effectively with researchers at all levels to ensure deliverables meet scientific objectives.

• Document protocols, analysis workflows, and results clearly for both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Assist with NGS related services, quality control (Bioanalyzer, TapeStation, Qubit), and sequencer operation as needed.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of core facility processes and standard operating procedures.

• Other tasks, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• BS in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field; or equivalent experience.

• 3+ years of relevant hands-on experience.

• Demonstrated expertise coordinating NGS workflows including short-read (e.g., Illumina, Elements) and long-read (e.g., Oxford Nanopore, PacBio) sequencing platforms.

• Demonstrated expertise in single cell technologies.

• Experience advising researchers or clients on sequencing technology selection and experimental design.

• Proficiency with NGS data pre-processing and quality control tools (e.g., Trimmomatic, MultiQC, Samtools, CellRanger).

• Familiarity with common bioinformatics data analysis workflows.

• Command-line proficiency in a Linux/Unix environment; ability to write and maintain analysis scripts in Python.

• Experience with genomics databases and data management (e.g., LIMS, SQL or similar).

• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to manage external client relationships.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a high-throughput service environment.

• Willingness to contribute to bench-level laboratory work when scientific or operational needs arise.

Preferred

• Familiarity with spatial biology techniques.

• Familiarity with laboratory automation for liquid handling.

• Experience with workflow management systems (e.g., Snakemake, Nextflow) and version control (Git).

• Exposure to cloud computing environments or HPC clusters for large-scale data analysis.

Company Description

WHITEHEAD INSTITUTE for BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research is a leading, nonprofit research and educational institution that has defined the cutting edge of biomedical science, creating a legacy of research excellence and academic eminence since 1982.​ Wholly independent in its governance, finances and research programs, Whitehead shares a teaching affiliation with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), offering the intellectual, collegial and scientific benefits of a leading research university.​ Whitehead’s Faculty Members and Fellows run pioneering programs in cancer research, immunology, developmental biology, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, genetics and genomics—programs with a record of success.​

We offer excellent benefits including a choice of health insurance options; a generous retirement plan; comprehensive dental, disability and life insurance coverage; competitive salary, substantial vacation and holiday time; and programs for tuition reimbursement, dependent care assistance, pre-tax spending accounts, and subsidized public transportation or parking. We also offer relocation assistance.

The Whitehead Institute believes diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are integral to its values and mission. As a research Institute dedicated to improving human health through biomedical science, we believe that diverse thought invokes creative inquiry, drives innovation, and fuels scientific breakthrough. We welcome all individuals of all backgrounds including race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, veterans status, national origin, disability, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status and/or origin. Whitehead Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description

WHITEHEAD INSTITUTE for BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH\r\nWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research is a leading, nonprofit research and educational institution that has defined the cutting edge of biomedical science, creating a legacy of research excellence and academic eminence since 1982.​ Wholly independent in its governance, finances and research programs, Whitehead shares a teaching affiliation with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), offering the intellectual, collegial and scientific benefits of a leading research university.​ Whitehead’s Faculty Members and Fellows run pioneering programs in cancer research, immunology, developmental biology, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, genetics and genomics—programs with a record of success.​ \r\n\r\nWe offer excellent benefits including a choice of health insurance options; a generous retirement plan; comprehensive dental, disability and life insurance coverage; competitive salary, substantial vacation and holiday time; and programs for tuition reimbursement, dependent care assistance, pre-tax spending accounts, and subsidized public transportation or parking. We also offer relocation assistance.\r\n\r\nThe Whitehead Institute believes diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are integral to its values and mission. As a research Institute dedicated to improving human health through biomedical science, we believe that diverse thought invokes creative inquiry, drives innovation, and fuels scientific breakthrough. We welcome all individuals of all backgrounds including race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, veterans status, national origin, disability, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status and/or origin. Whitehead Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.