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Senior UI/UX Designer

Posted on 18 October 2023

Join our team of researchers, engineers, and designers to shape the future of biomedical research!

The Gehlenborg Lab in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School is funded to develop data visualization tools and user interfaces for multiple national and international cell atlas projects such as the Human Biomolecular Atlas Program (HuBMAP), the Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet), the Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN), the Kidney Precision Medicine Network (KPMP), and the Human Cell Atlas (HCA).

The ultimate goal of these efforts is to create maps of the human body at single-cell resolution with the help of cutting edge technologies that generate large and complex sequencing and imaging data sets. The maps will shape our understanding of processes like aging and usher in a new era of treatments for common human diseases.

Your responsibility will be to ensure that the user experience and user interfaces for our tools meet the needs of a broad community of scientists, clinicians, and other stakeholders. You will accomplish this by applying state-of-the-art user research techniques to elicit personas, use cases, and evaluation criteria. You will create wireframes and high fidelity user interface mockups. You will partner with the software developers and researchers on our team as well as national and international collaborators to accomplish our goals. You will also coordinate and oversee the day-to-day work of other UI/UX designers on the team and develop processes and documentation for UI/UX design work in the Gehlenborg Lab.

We value diversity, creativity, and initiative in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary work environment. The Gehlenborg Lab has an international reputation for creating high impact data visualization tools and we are driven to solve the most challenging design and engineering problems in biomedical data science. We would love to have you on our team!

Work Environment

The Gehlenborg Lab is using a hybrid workplace model and this position can be fully remote, hybrid, or in-person. All remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA-exempt only, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, WA). Occasional domestic or international travel to attend meetings will be required.

Typical Core Duties

  • Function as subject matter expert to frame, scope, and lead multiple interdisciplinary projects using a collaborative approach
  • Document detailed UX specifications
  • Ensure work delivery, including accurate estimation, time management, & communication
  • Manage UI/UX design multiple projects simultaneously in collaboration with developer lead, project lead, and the principal investigator
  • Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day work of other UI/UX designers on the team
  • Represent the university internally and externally
  • Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies and Code of Conduct

Basic Qualifications

  • Minimum of 5 years post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

  • Minimum of 3 years of UI/UX design work including user studies, user interface design, and evaluation
  • Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred but not required
  • Comprehensive knowledge of and hands-on experience with user interface and user experience research and design techniques
  • Expert knowledge of Figma or state-of-the-art user interface design tools
  • Strong graphic design skills and experience in creating visual identities
  • Hands-on experience with GitHub or other collaborative version control systems
  • Working knowledge of the web application development life cycle
  • Experience with IRB protocols for human subjects research
  • Understanding of basics of molecular biology and biomedical research is helpful but not required
  • Motivation for mentoring junior team members, interns, and trainees and collaborating with peers across multiple sites

Additional Information

This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.

This position is based in Boston, but the work may be done primarily remote. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process. *Note: Harvard employees working in California must be exempt.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to keep in touch and learn about future opportunities!

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

  • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
  • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
  • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

How to Apply

Apply on Harvard Careers.

Harvard Medical School is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.