STEM Expert – Biology & Bioinformatics (PhD)

Confidential; United States; Remote; USD 83,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Zekai is seeking a STEM Expert in biology and bioinformatics (PhD) for a 100% remote contract role. You will apply deep domain knowledge to train next‑generation AI systems using real biological data.

Design, evaluate, and optimize workflows across genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and related fields; provide expert input on data analysis pipelines and AI model validation. Proficiency in Python and/or R, strong statistical reasoning, and excellent written and verbal communication are

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, or closely related STEM field.
• Professional written and spoken English (C1 or higher).
• Hands-on experience analyzing real biological data.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R for scientific analysis, plus use of standard tools (BLAST, samtools, GATK, Bioconductor, Biopython).
• Strong statistical, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.
• Track record of rigorous scientific problem-solving in complex biological domains.

Responsibilities

• Design, evaluate, and critique biology workflows to support AI benchmarking.
• Provide expert insights on genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic data analysis pipelines.
• Assess and optimize pipeline parameters, tool configurations, and statistics.
• Analyze datasets (NGS, RNA-seq, single-cell, variants) and provide actionable recommendations.
• Guide development and validation of biology-related AI models and tools.
• Communicate complex concepts clearly to technical and non-technical collaborators.
• Document findings and best practices for knowledge transfer.

Skills

Bioinformatics proficiency

Python or R

Statistical analysis

English proficiency

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in biology or related STEM field

Tools

BLAST

samtools

GATK

Bioconductor

Biopython

Job description

Job Title: STEM Expert - Biology & Bioinformatics (PhD)

Job Type: Contractor

Location: Remote(Worldwide)

Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, evaluate, and critique biology, bioinformatics, and computational biology workflows to support AI benchmarking initiatives.
• Provide expert-level insights on genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and other biological data analysis pipelines.
• Assess and optimize pipeline parameters, tool configurations, and statistical methods for accuracy and reproducibility.
• Analyze biological datasets (e.g., NGS, RNA-seq, single-cell, variant calling, protein structure) and provide actionable recommendations.
• Leverage domain knowledge to guide the development and validation of biology-related AI models and tools.
• Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly, both in writing and verbally, to technical and non-technical collaborators.
• Document findings, methodologies, and best practices to ensure knowledge transfer across the customer's team.

Areas of Expertise (we welcome applicants from any of the following):

• Genomics & NGS analysis
• Transcriptomics & single-cell analysis
• Proteomics & structural biology
• Molecular & cell biology
• Systems biology & biological network analysis
• Drug discovery & computational pharmacology
• Biostatistics & machine learning applied to biology

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• PhD in biology, bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, or a closely related STEM field, or equivalent industry/research experience.
• Professional written and spoken English (C1 or higher).
• Deep expertise in at least one of the areas listed above, with hands-on experience analyzing real biological data.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R for scientific analysis, plus experience with standard tools in your subfield (e.g., BLAST, samtools, GATK, Bioconductor, Biopython).
• Strong statistical, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities, with the ability to clearly document and explain technical concepts.
• Track record of rigorous scientific problem-solving in complex biological domains.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience building reproducible workflows (Nextflow, Snakemake) and working in Linux/command-line environments.
• Experience with AI/ML-assisted biology workflows or benchmarking.
• Peer-reviewed publications, patents, or contributions to open-source bioinformatics software.

This is a 100% remote contract role, open to applicants worldwide in the countries the employer accepts.