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