Biological Data Curator for BioSample Metadata
About The Position
Computercraft is seeking a Biological Data Curator to support the BioSample database at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), part of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. The role helps researchers describe biological samples accurately so their data can be understood and reused. BioSample contains contextual metadata for samples associated with NCBI resources, including the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) and GenBank. The curator reviews submissions from individual laboratories and large sequencing projects, resolves metadata and taxonomy questions, supports database users, and helps improve how sample information is submitted, validated, and maintained. The position is onsite five days per week at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in molecular biology or a related field, or a master’s degree in molecular biology or a related field with relevant experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clarify scientific information for submitters and users.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong attention to detail and sound scientific judgment, including consideration of the broader effects of curation decisions.
- Ability to evaluate biological data in the context of database structure, workflows, and the sample data lifecycle.
- Ability to obtain Public Trust Clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with biological databases, data curation, or large-scale data management workflows.
- Experience working with data standards.
- Adaptability and willingness to learn evolving technologies and automated or technology-assisted workflows.
Responsibilities
- Review contextual metadata in BioSample submissions for completeness, consistency, and quality.
- Review and clarify taxonomic names and work with submitters to resolve questions about sample descriptions.
- Perform curation activities needed to maintain accurate and useful BioSample records.
- Manage help desk requests from submitters and database users, providing clear scientific guidance and resolving data questions.
- Contribute scientific input to the design and testing of BioSample submission and curation interfaces.
- Help improve data standards, validation procedures, and workflows across the sample data lifecycle.
- Evaluate individual records and the broader effects of curation decisions on database structure, workflows, and related resources.
- Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines and provide backup curation support for the BioProject database.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k) plan with matching
- Paid leave starting at 128 hours per year for the first three years of employment
- 11 paid holidays
- Standard 40-hour work week and the opportunity for a positive work–life balance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
