New Opportunities at the PDB

The RCSB Protein Data Bank at Rutgers University is looking to fill the following three positions: Scientific Software Developer (UCSD), Postdoctoral Researcher (UCSD), and Scientific Web Application Developer (Rutgers).

  1. Scientific Software Developer (UCSD)

The RCSB PDB is seeking a Scientific Software Developer with skills as a seasoned, experienced bioinformatics programming professional and a broad understanding of computational algorithms.

The incumbent will develop, implement, and maintain complex scientific and web-based software systems for the RCSB Protein Data Bank (PDB; http://www.rcsb.org) at the University of California San Diego (UCSD).

The Scientific Software Developer will work closely and collaboratively with other software developers and scientists at the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) and the RCSB PDB partner sites to expand RCSB.org's functionality and reliability as a premier biological data and information resource. S/he will develop new scalable algorithms for the mining and analysis of the rapidly growing PDB archive using leading edge Big Data technologies, design and implement user interfaces for the query, analysis, reporting, and visualization of 3D structural information and associated annotations, as well as integrate external database resources with RCSB PDB to provide a structural view of biology. The incumbent will help lead the design of databases and data warehouses to store and aid in the query of data and be actively involved in the software development process, maintenance and system standards for analysis algorithms, tools, and infrastructure.

Additionally, the incumbent will serve as an expert on relevant scientific and technical aspects of the various web, web services, and database components of the RCSB PDB. S/he will stay abreast of the latest development in structural and computational biology and new technologies, apply advanced bioinformatics concepts to design, develop, modify, debug, and evaluate highly complex software programs and web tools, and translate scientific problems into scalable and maintainable software solutions that meet end-user needs. The incumbent will also further science through Scientific Publications, written in collaboration with our team.

Apply at UCSD: https://jobs.ucsd.edu/bulletin/job.aspx?jobnum_in=104863

 

  1. Postdoctoral Researcher (UCSD)

We are seeking a talented, highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the multidisciplinary team of the RCSB Protein Data Bank at UC San Diego, San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC).

The successful applicant will work on research projects that drive next generation search tools at rcsb.org. Dealing with redundancy within the Protein Data Bank (PDB) is an important challenge in face of the ~10% year-on-year growth in structural data stored in the PDB. Tackling the redundancy problem requires understanding of similarities and differences among macromolecules at many different levels. She/he will be expected to contribute to this project by devising new and improved algorithms for protein family classification at levels such as biological assemblies. The ultimate aim of this project is to improve the findability of data in the PDB by building the next generation search engine for structural molecular biology.

Note, this position is reviewed annually on the basis of performance and can be renewed.

Requirements

Ph.D. in one of the following research areas:

Computer Science with a focus on Bioinformatics

Structural Bioinformatics, or related field with a focus on software development

Structural Biology with a focus on software development

Qualifications

Demonstrated proficiency in a high-level programming language, such as Java, Python, C++, and experience with state of the art software engineering tools.

Strong skills in problem solving and algorithm design are required.

A background in NoSQL database technologies would be beneficial.

Experience in development of modern web applications, user interface design, or scientific visualization would also be a plus.

We expect candidates to have shown high productivity demonstrated by publications and contributions to open source software projects.

Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.

For more information, click here.

Apply at UCSD: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF02453

 

  1. Scientific Web Application Developer (Rutgers)

Research Associate

Summary

We are looking for a full-stack developer with a minimum of five years experience using modern database and web technologies. The candidate should enjoy engaging with other developers and scientists in a collaborative team environment.

The work at the PDB focuses on data analysis and transformation, and the presentation and visualization of data using complex interactive graphical user interfaces. An important aspect of the work is to provide our users with the ability to search and explore the data in the PDB Archive. Solutions are implemented using a wide range of custom components developed and maintained at the RCSB PDB, in addition to third-party tools, libraries, frameworks and technologies.

The candidate should be comfortable working in a fast-changing environment, and be able to demonstrate an ability to think creatively, generate new ideas, and implement solutions. The candidate should also show an eagerness and willingness to learn new skills and master new technologies.

The team at RCSB consists of a group of highly-skilled bio-curators, scientists, software developers, designers, and educators, working in a lively and fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will be able to take full advantage of the benefits of working at an academic institution. Employees are encouraged to engage in professional development, either by attending seminars and training workshops, or by enrolling, tuition-free, in courses provided by Rutgers.

Requirements

Ideally the candidate should have in-depth experience with several of the following technologies, languages, and frameworks, or have experience with comparable or related technologies:

Relational and document databases (MySQL, MongoDB), search tools (ElasticSearch, GraphQL), Java, Python, Javascript, JSON, React/Redux, Node.js, JQuery, HTML, Git, shell scripting, use of modern IDEs.

Any scientific background would be considered a plus, especially experience in any of the following areas: Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Genomics. Experience working with large and complex scientific datasets would also be a plus.

While a scientific background is not a requirement for the position, the candidate should be able to demonstrate a willingness and ability to engage with scientists and scientific content, and be interested in working in an academic/research environment.

Job Description

Responsibilities for this position will include:

Design, development and deployment of modern, scalable, reusable web-applications.

Analysis, refactoring and adaptation of legacy code to conform to new architecture designs.

Development of complex interactive graphical user interfaces.

Debugging, testing, troubleshooting.

Use of and development of automated testing suites.

Qualifications:

Masters or B.Sc degree in Computer Science, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline, or a comparable combination of education and experience developing modern Scientific Web applications.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Apply at Rutgers: jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/105869