Research Scientist I Viral Genomics Group Sabeti Lab
Cambridge, MA - USA
Job Summary
General information
Location
Cambridge MA
Ref #
43962
Job Family
Research
Date published
04/02/2026
Time Type
Full time
Pay Range
$88000.00/yr - $124000.00/yr
Description & Requirements
About the Role
This role is part of the Sabeti Labs work as a CDCs Pathogen Genomics Center of Excellence (PGCoE) and within NIHs 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 developmentbridging 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.
- Experiene: 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.
Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process please contact for assistance.
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
About Company
Broad Institute is a multidisciplinary community of researchers on a mission to improve human health.