Open-Data Structural Bioinformatics Research Assistant

astera; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits summary

Job summary

Astera Institute in Emeryville is seeking a Research Assistant for the diffUSE Project to build open infrastructure for structural biology data. You will maintain data pipelines, curate structural datasets, and run validation checks across X-ray, cryo-EM, and ensemble data, collaborating with scientists and software engineers on day‑to‑day execution.

This full‑time, in‑person role suits someone early in their research career who is detail‑oriented, comfortable with ambiguity, and motivated by

Qualifications

• BS or MS in bioinformatics, structural biology, computational biology, or related field.
• Proficiency in Python and knowledge of structural file formats (PDB, mmCIF, mtz).
• Excellent data handling with close attention to detail.
• Able to collaborate across computational and experimental teams.
• Preferred: exposure to crystallography or cryo-EM data processing; familiarity with PDB/EMDB databases.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and run bioinformatic pipelines for structural data processing, curation, and quality control.
• Support development and benchmarking of validation metrics against experimental datasets.
• Assist with data deposition, formatting, and documentation to meet community data standards.
• Help prepare datasets, figures, and summaries for publications, reports, and presentations.
• Coordinate with Scientists and engineers on routine data management tasks and troubleshooting.

Skills

Python programming

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail in data handling

Comfortable working across compute and

Education

BS or MS in bioinformatics, structural biology, computational biology, or related field

Tools

PDB

mmCIF

mtz

EMDB

Job description

Astera Institute in Emeryville is seeking a Research Assistant for the diffUSE Project to build open infrastructure for structural biology data. You will maintain data pipelines, curate structural datasets, and run validation checks across X-ray, cryo-EM, and ensemble data, collaborating with scientists and software engineers on day‑to‑day execution.

This full‑time, in‑person role suits someone early in their research career who is detail‑oriented, comfortable with ambiguity, and motivated by