Genome Data Curator / Molecular Biologist – GenBank Submissions

computercraft; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) plan with matching

Paid leave 128 hours/year (first 3 yrs

11 paid holidays

Job summary

Computercraft seeks a Genome Data Curator/Molecular Biologist to support GenBank submissions, analyze genome data, and ensure high-quality releases for public databases. The role involves direct collaboration with researchers and NCBI experts on NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

You will troubleshoot submission issues, provide scientific support, and maintain curation records, while exploring AI-assisted workflows and advanced sequencing technologies.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, or related field.
• Experience with molecular biology, genomics, or related discipline.
• Aptitude for DNA sequence analysis and learning specialized software.
• Strong computer skills with complex data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organization and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work on NIH campus in Bethesda, MD at least three days per week.
• Ability to obtain Public Trust clearance.

Responsibilities

• Receive, process, and maintain genome data submitted to GenBank.
• Review whole-genome sequence and annotation data from labs and projects.
• Evaluate genome submissions for integrity, consistency, accuracy, and completeness.
• Analyze sequence data and prepare submissions for release to GenBank.
• Communicate with data depositors and genomic-data users to resolve issues.
• Provide science-help desk support related to GenBank submissions and NIH resources.
• Document issues and resolutions with clear records.
• Perform database-curation activities to support timely GenBank release.
• Collaborate with NCBI scientists, bioinformaticians, software developers, and others.
• Explore evolving technologies including AI-assisted workflows.

Skills

Genome data analysis

Scientific communication

Independent work

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology/genomics/biochemistry

Tools

UNIX/Linux

Python

Job description

Do you enjoy working directly with researchers to solve genome-submission problems and prepare high-quality genomic data for public release? Computercraft is seeking a Genome Data Curator/Molecular Biologist to support the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), part of the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

In this hands-on, service-oriented role, you will receive, process, analyze, and maintain genome and chromosome sequencing datasets submitted to GenBank. Working directly with researchers and NCBI experts, you will troubleshoot submission and annotation issues, provide scientific support, and prepare genomic data for release through the public database.

Computercraft has provided scientific expertise supporting GenBank continuously since 1991. Learn more at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/.

Job Responsibilities

• Receive, process, and maintain genome and chromosome sequence datasets submitted to GenBank.
• Review whole-genome sequence and annotation data from individual laboratories and large-scale sequencing projects.
• Evaluate genome submissions for biological integrity, consistency, accuracy, and completeness.
• Analyze sequence data and work with researchers to prepare submissions for release to the public database.
• Communicate directly with data depositors and genomic-data users to resolve submission, annotation, and data-quality issues.
• Provide scientific help-desk support related to GenBank genome submissions and associated NCBI resources.
• Document issues and resolutions clearly and maintain accurate curation and administrative records.
• Perform database-curation activities supporting the timely maintenance and release of GenBank genome records.
• Collaborate with NCBI scientists, bioinformaticians, software developers, and other technical team members.
• Interest in evolving technologies, including automated and AI-assisted workflows

Required Skills/Experience

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Experience in molecular biology, genomics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Aptitude for DNA sequence analysis and learning specialized scientific software.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to work carefully with complex scientific data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues to researchers.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and scientific problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, at least three days per week.
• Ability to obtain Public Trust clearance

Desired Skills/Experience

• Experience working in a UNIX/Linux environment.
• Familiarity with next-generation DNA sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, and genome-assembly technologies.
• Coding experience in Python.
• Familiarity with public molecular biology resources such as GenBank, RefSeq, SRA, UniProt, or PDB.

Who May Be a Good Fit

This opportunity may be especially attractive to a Ph.D.-trained molecular biologist, genomic scientist, or postdoctoral researcher who enjoys detailed problem-solving and direct interaction with researchers. Formal data-curation experience is helpful but is not required when a candidate demonstrates strong genome-analysis, communication, computer, and troubleshooting skills. Computercraft is recruiting for multiple GenBank curation opportunities. Candidates should apply to the position that most closely matches their experience and interests. Qualified applicants may also be considered for other GenBank openings.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000-$120,000 annually.

• health, dental, vision, and disability and life insurance
• a 401(k) plan with matching
• paid leave starting at 128 hours/year for the first 3 years of employment
• 11 paid holidays
• positive work-life balance with a standard 40-hour work week and the chance to work alongside a team of highly accomplished professionals

To learn about other Computercraft job opportunities, please visit the Careers section of our website: https://www.computercraft-usa.com/.

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