Research Associate - Biological Structure Annotation Specialist (Biocurator)

Rutgers University; Piscataway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 93,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutgers University’s RCSB PDB team in Piscataway, NJ invites applications for a Biological Structure Annotation Specialist (Biocurator). The role focuses on analyzing, curating, and validating macromolecular structures from the PDB community, ensuring data quality and adherence to community standards.

The successful candidate will collaborate with researchers worldwide, communicate daily with the scientific community, and participate in outreach and training activities, contributing to

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field to validate chemical identity and perform geometrical validation.
• Experience in structural biology and data curation.
• Familiarity with macromolecular structures and PDB data standards.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, curate, and validate macromolecular structures from the PDB community.
• Participate in projects with significant impact on the scientific community.
• Communicate daily with researchers and participate in outreach and training activities.
• Ensure data quality and uniformity in the PDB archive.

Skills

Cryo-EM knowledge

Bioinformatics

Cheminformatics

Scripting

Education

PhD in structural biology or related field

Job description

Research Associate - Biological Structure Annotation Specialist (Biocurator)

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Salary Details

$93,077-$103,077

Offer Information The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits

The RCSB Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB , rcsb.org), the US data center for the global PDB archive, serves thousands of Data Depositors in the Americas and makes 3D macromolecular structure data available at no charge and without usage restrictions to many millions of rcsb.org users worldwide.

The primary objectives of Deposition/Biocuration Services:

• Provide expert deposition, validation, biocuration, and remediation services to Data Depositors worldwide
• Maintain data quality and uniformity in the PDB archive which is critical to research and education
• Develop and promote community-endorsed data standards for archiving and exchange of global structural biology data

The RCSB PDB at Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ has an opening for a Biological Structure Annotation Specialist (Biocurator) to analyze, curate, and validate macromolecular structures from the dynamically expanding structural biology community. The Biocurator also participates in exciting projects with significant impact on the scientific community, communicates daily with members of the research community, and participates in fun outreach activities.

Position Status

Full Time

Posting Number 26FA0165

Posting Open Date 02/25/2026

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Experience in structural biology with a PhD in a relevant field is required in order to validate chemical identity of small molecules, cross-check biological sequences with external sequence databases, and perform geometrical validation.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong knowledge of cryo-electron microscopy (3DEM) is required to curate and validate macromolecular structures.

Experience with small molecule chemistry is a plus.

Experience with bioinformatics, cheminformatics, and computer scripting would be an advantage.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in linux computer systems would be an advantage.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This individual must work onsite at RCSB PDB located at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

Overview

• Analyze, curate, and validate macromolecular structures from the PDB community
• Participate in exciting projects with significant impact on the scientific community
• Communicate daily with members of the research community
• Participate in fun scientific outreach and training activities

The successful candidate should be self-motivated, pay close attention to details, possess strong interpersonal communication and writing skills, and have the ability to handle multiple projects.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents

• Other Documents (4)
• Other Documents (2)

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