The National Library of Medicine (NLM), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and located in Bethesda, Maryland, is recruiting for a Staff Scientist 1 position within the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Information Engineering Branch (IEB). NLM is one of 27 institutes at the NIH, under the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The IEB conducts research in computational biology and develops and maintains information systems and computational tools for the biological research community. This position will play a vital role in supporting GenBank sequence submissions and ensuring data quality.

NLM Division: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

NLM Program/Office: Information Engineering Branch (IEB)

Application Period: Applications will be accepted from November 6, 2024 through December 6, 2024.

Overview: 

NLM/NCBI/IEB is seeking a motivated and skilled candidate to handle the processing of submissions to NCBI’s GenBank and set priorities for enhancing the submission process. The GenBank Genomes Curator will review and process incoming data submissions, interact with data submitters and genomic data users, and provide help desk support. The role involves receiving, processing, and maintaining genetic sequence data from genomes and chromosomes, as well as analyzing sequence data and collaborating with researchers to prepare data for public release.

Position Description/Responsibilities:

Applicants should possess strong computer skills and experience in DNA sequence analysis. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy problem-solving and have a passion for complex challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyzing, standardizing, curating, and disseminating data submitted to GenBank.
• Integrating diverse data sources to interpret complex biological issues and enhance data quality.
• Applying bioinformatics expertise to support NCBI’s biological data curation.
• Developing submission workflows and setting implementation priorities for the Submission Portal.
• Coordinating with software development teams to introduce new submission functionalities.
• Creating documentation and educational materials.
• Preparing detailed reports for management.
• Engaging in user outreach with research scientists, data scientists, and clinicians.
• Collaborating with scientists within and outside NIH.

Position Requirements:

The candidate may or may not be a United States citizen and must have a Ph.D. or equivalent postdoctoral experience from an accredited college in a biomedical science, public health, or related discipline and postdoctoral or other job experience related to biological data curation, data submissions, or scientific data management.

We are seeking a candidate who possesses:

• A proven track record of outstanding research in genomics, with demonstrated expertise in DNA and RNA sequence analysis and bioinformatics.
• Comprehensive knowledge of sequencing techniques, genome assembly, and annotation methods.
• 15+ years of experience in reviewing and analyzing genomic sequence data, along with 2+ years as a product owner on agile scrum teams.
• A successful history of working with sequence data processing pipelines and workflows.
• A thorough understanding of the complexities of biological sequence data.
• A strong commitment to improving and streamlining processes for customers.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• A proven ability to effectively engage in multi-disciplinary collaborative research and build consensus.

Education Requirements:

Selectee who has completed part or all their education outside of the United States must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation. For more information on foreign education verification, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with research experience and accomplishments. A full package of benefits, including retirement, health, life, and long-term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan participation, etc., is available.

The successful candidate will serve in a non-competitive and time-limited, renewable appointment in the excepted service.

How to Apply:

Interested individuals should send a copy of their CV, bibliography, a cover letter detailing research interests, and names of three references to at ncbijobs@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.  Please include the announcement number NLM9486-2024, in the cover letter. Review of applications will begin on or about December 9, 2024. Applications will be accepted until 12/6/2024. This position is eligible for remote work.

DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTH DATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.

Commitment to Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.  NIH/NLM encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. The U.S. government does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, pregnancy, and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. NIH/NLM will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities as appropriate. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.

Contact Information:

oamhumanresourcesteam@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 

HHS, NIH, and NLM are equal opportunity employers.

Last Reviewed: November 6, 2024