Data Engineer/Python Developer

Zifo • Boston, MA

22h

About The Position

Zifo is a global specialist scientific and process informatics services company supporting life sciences, biotech, and pharmaceutical organizations. We enable digital transformation across R&D, manufacturing, and quality by delivering data-driven, scalable, and compliant software solutions. Zifo is seeking a passionate Software Developer who can work at the intersection of science, data, and technology. The role requires strong expertise in Python, SQL/NoSQL, AWS, FastAPI, and Benchling, along with the ability to work directly with scientists performing assay-based experiments. The successful candidate will translate experimental workflows into robust data components, scientific system integrations, AI-enabled insights, and next-generation data pipelines

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Life Sciences with 2–5 years of hands-on experience in Python development with FastAPI (Flask or Django is a plus)
• Proficiency in SQL, including schema design, complex queries, and performance optimization > Relational databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, AWS RDS/Aurora > NoSQL databases such as DynamoDB, MongoDB, or equivalent
• Solid understanding of REST APIs, microservices, and integration patterns
• AWS experience, including S3, EC2, Lambda, Step Functions, RDS / Aurora, IAM, monitoring, and logging
• Proficiency with Git-based collaborative development, including branch management, pull requests, code reviews, and integration with CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins, AWS CodePipeline) to ensure reliable and traceable software delivery
• Hands-on experience with Test-Driven Development and Python testing frameworks such as pytest, unittest, and mocking libraries
• Working knowledge of AI/ML concepts, including data preparation, feature engineering, model integration, and inference workflows
• Exposure to the data and ML libraries such as pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn (exposure to TensorFlow or PyTorch is a plus)
• Exposure to life sciences, biotech, pharma, or healthcare domains and scientific platforms such as LIMS, ELN, SDMS, CDS, or data lakes
• Ability to design data models aligned to scientific and assay workflows & integrating scientific or enterprise systems and working directly with scientists or lab users
• Knowledge of containerization (Docker) and modern deployment best practices
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum & SDLC development methodologies
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and cross-team coordination skills

Nice To Haves

• Willingness to travel/ relocate based on project or business needs
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, client-focused environment
• Comfortable managing cross-team coordination and dependency management, particularly across globally distributed teams and user groups

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists, assay teams, and lab operations to capture end-to-end assay and experimental workflows, from sample onboarding and execution through data ingestion, validation, and downstream analytics
• Translate scientific and operational requirements into well-defined functional, technical, and data requirements for laboratory platforms, system integrations, and next-generation data pipelines
• Design, develop, and maintain Python-based backend services, APIs, and data pipelines on AWS
• Build backend services using FastAPI and supporting frameworks such as Flask or Django
• Develop and maintain RESTful APIs and microservices for integration with scientific systems including Benchling, LIMS, ELN, CDS, and SDMS
• Design and optimize SQL and NoSQL data models to support structured, semi-structured, and high-volume scientific data
• Build and support ETL/ELT and next-generation data pipelines for analytics and AI/ML workloads
• Support AI/ML use cases by preparing datasets, enabling feature engineering, and integrating models into pipelines and applications
• Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines for automated build, testing and deployment
• Apply Test-Driven Development (TDD) practices and develop automated unit, integration, and data validation tests
• Ensure solutions meet performance, data integrity, security, and regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., GxP, 21 CFR Part 11)
• Perform code reviews, debugging, and performance optimization
• Coordinate across cross-functional and geographically distributed teams, managing dependencies and ensuring delivery alignment
• Create ready to deliver technical documentation and track deliverables using JIRA and Confluence

Benefits

• We offer a competitive compensation package including accrued vacation, medical, dental, vision, 401k with company matching, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level