Research Support Associate 1

RESEARCH SUPPORT ASSOCIATE 1, Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, to be a part of the larger research effort of the NSF Science & Technology Center “Chemical Currencies of a Microbial Planet” (https://ccomp-stc.org/) as well as a new collaboration with researchers in the Mathematics Department at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).

The goal of this project is to use bioinformatics to understand the ecology and evolution of microbial metabolic pathways that drive organic matter cycling across diverse ecosystems. Specifically, the successful applicant will help develop and apply a novel metagenomic "biosensor" framework to investigate microbial carbon cycling in the ocean and translate this approach to studies of the gut microbiome in the context of colorectal cancer.

Responsibilities will be adapted to the skills and interests of the successful applicant and will evolve with the project, but may include developing and improving bioinformatic workflows for metagenomic and comparative genomic analyses, analyzing next-generation sequencing data (e.g., PacBio, Illumina, and Oxford Nanopore), reconstructing and analyzing phylogenetic trees, and summarizing results for research papers and presentations.

The position offers opportunities for publication in peer-reviewed research journals, and for engaging with the broader academic and research community, including at C-CoMP, MIT and TMU. Candidate will be expected to meet regularly with supervisors and engage with the broader research community where appropriate. REQUIRED: High school education or equivalent; and excellent oral and written communication skills as well as strong organizational and critical thinking skills.

PREFERRED: A Bachelor's degree in Biology or Computer Science, or a related science/engineering discipline; familiarity with microbial bioinformatics and general experience with scientific programming and data analysis (using e.g. Python, R, Bash/shell scripting); and experience with high performance compute clusters, workflow management systems (e.g. snakemake) and Github.

For inquiries, please contact: Rogier Braakman, Research Scientist, Department of Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences, MIT.

Email: [email protected].

This is a one-year position with the possibility of extension. Hybrid schedule available.
8/27/2026