Computational Data Scientist — Biofoundry AI Pipelines

UC Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara’s NSF ExFAB Biofoundry seeks an ExFAB Computation and Data Specialist. The role supports the DTBL cycle by managing large datasets, enabling AI-driven exploration, and providing data interpretation for users and AI agents at UCSB, Riverside, and Pomona.

Primary duties include building flexible pipelines for imaging, flow cytometry, and metabolomics, plus ML model training and AI-readiness of datasets. Collaborative, cross-campus work environment with tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in biological science or engineering, incl. data/computation, or 5+ years in data organization.
• PhD or 10+ years in CS, biology, engineering, or related field.
• Experience with microbiology, proteomics, metabolomics, phenotyping, genetic engineering.
• Programming in Python, R and/or SQL.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Pipeline development to create workflows for data acquisition and AI readiness across modalities.
• Data analysis support with customized approaches for non-standard biology and AI-ready outputs.
• Data infrastructure and LIMS engagement, training, and collaboration with UCR LIMS team.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Communication

Project management

LIMS familiarity

Education

Master's degree in biological science or engineering

PhD degree

Tools

LIMS

Job description

UC Santa Barbara’s NSF ExFAB Biofoundry seeks an ExFAB Computation and Data Specialist. The role supports the DTBL cycle by managing large datasets, enabling AI-driven exploration, and providing data interpretation for users and AI agents at UCSB, Riverside, and Pomona.

Primary duties include building flexible pipelines for imaging, flow cytometry, and metabolomics, plus ML model training and AI-readiness of datasets. Collaborative, cross-campus work environment with tight deadlines.