Genomic Data Curator / Molecular Biologist – Sequence Analysis & Workflows

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid leave

11 paid holidays

Job summary

Computercraft Corporation, based in Bethesda, MD, seeks Genomic Data Curators / Molecular Biologists to support GenBank at NCBI. You will apply molecular biology expertise and sequence analysis to ensure data quality and enable dissemination of biological sequence data.

You will collaborate with biologists, bioinformaticians, software developers, and data engineers to improve tools, workflows, and standards across GenBank and related NCBI resources.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology or related field; Master’s with substantial experience considered.
• Extensive experience in DNA sequence analysis and biological data analysis.
• Experience analyzing large or complex biological datasets.
• Strong understanding of data quality, validation, and scientific review.
• Excellent scientific, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates attention to detail while preserving strategic view of data systems.

Responsibilities

• Review nucleotide sequence and annotation data submitted by laboratories and sequencing projects.
• Evaluate submissions for biological integrity, consistency, accuracy, completeness, and GenBank standards.
• Perform database curation and administrative activities related to GenBank and related NCBI resources.
• Communicate with scientists and data submitters to resolve complex quality issues.
• Evaluate data within the broader workflow and lifecycle context.
• Contribute to development, testing, and refinement of automated data-processing pipelines.
• Help improve data standards, validation procedures, and submission processes across GenBank and related resources.
• Apply analytical and systems-level thinking to improve data quality and management.

Skills

DNA sequence analysis

Biological data analysis

Written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Systems thinking

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology or related field

Master's degree with substantial experience

Job description

Do you enjoy applying your expertise in molecular biology to solve complex biological questions while improving the systems that manage scientific data?

Computercraft is seeking Genomic Data Curators/ Molecular Biologists 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 multi-disciplinary role, you will apply your expertise in molecular biology and sequence analysis to ensure the quality and integrity of GenBank. You will also help improve the tools, workflows, and scientific standards that support the submission, validation, management and dissemination of biological sequence data. You will combine detailed scientific analysis with strategic, systems-level thinking, working closely with biologists, bioinformaticians, software developers, and data engineers to improve how sequence data are managed and shared.

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

Job Responsibilities

• Review nucleotide sequence and annotation data submitted by individual laboratories and large-scale sequencing projects.
• Evaluate submissions for biological integrity, consistency, accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GenBank standards
• Perform database curation and administrative activities related to the maintenance of GenBank and associated NCBI resources.
• Communicate directly with scientists and data submitters to resolve complex sequence and annotation quality issues.
• Evaluate data within the broader context of workflow dependencies, and the complete sequence data lifecycle.
• Contribute biological expertise to the development, testing, and refinement of automated data-processing pipelines and validation systems to improve efficiency, scalability, and scientific data quality.
• Help improve data standards, validation procedures, submission processes, and lifecycle-management practices across GenBank and related NCBI resources.
• Apply both detailed analytical review and strategic, systems-level thinking to continuously improve the quality, consistency, and management of biological sequence data.

Required Skills/Experience

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline preferred. Candidates with a Master's degree and substantial relevant experience may also be considered.
• Extensive experience in DNA sequence analysis, biological data analysis, and/or laboratory molecular biology.
• Experience analyzing large or complex biological datasets.
• Strong understanding of data quality, validation, and scientific review.
• Excellent scientific, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates attention to detail while maintaining the ability to think strategically about scientific data systems and workflows..
• Ability to evaluate scientific data in the context of database structures, workflows, and life-cycle management.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, at least 3days per week.
• Ability to obtain Public Trust clearance

Desired Skills/Experience

• Experience with biological databases, sequence curation, genomic annotation, or large-scale data-management workflows.
• Experience designing, improving, validating, or testing automated scientific workflows or data-processing pipelines.
• Familiarity with DNA sequencing technologies, genome-assembly methods, and sequence-analysis tools.
• Experience collaborating with bioinformaticians, software developers, or data engineers.
• Interest in evolving technologies, including automated and AI-assisted workflows.

Who May Be a Good Fit

This position may be especially attractive to Ph.D.-trained scientists or postdoctoral researchers who enjoy applying their biological expertise beyond the laboratory. The strongest candidates will be comfortable moving between detailed sequence review and broader questions about how scientific data are validated, processed, managed, and disseminated. They are comfortable collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve the tools and processes that support biological data management while ensuring the highest standards of scientific quality.

Compensation and Benefits

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

Computercraft offers an excellent benefits package that includes 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; and 11 paid holidays. We also offer the opportunity for a positive work–life balance with a standard 40-hour work week and the chance to work alongside a team of highly accomplished professionals.

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