Scientific Database Curator

The Institute for Protein Innovation (IPI)is a nonprofit research organization advancing protein science to accelerate research and improve human health.  Founded in 2017 and located in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, the Institute’s three-pronged strategy is to build protein tools, conduct related internal research and develop educational programs for the protein science and biological research communities.

IPI uniquely combines the freedom of academia with the high throughput and scale of industry to take on transformative projects. IPI has built a robust platform for discovering, developing, and distributing synthetic antibodies and other protein tools. The Institute's deep protein expertise, collaborative spirit and research tools are powering new biomedical and therapeutic discoveries with a growing community of biomedical and computer scientists throughout Greater Boston and across the world.

Purpose

The Scientific Database Curator position contributes to the distribution of novel synthetic antibody reagents through a model that emphasizes broad access to the biomedical research community. 

This position leads efforts to acquire, standardize and curate information in IPI’s databases for its antibodies and their protein targets.  These systems will capture information about IPI antibodies including their design, quality control, biophysical characteristics, and their demonstrated utility in research assays using antibodies, including western blot, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, ELISA, and other assay types.  Also included will be information describing the specific protein families and individual antigen features used as input to IPI’s antibody discovery process.  These information systems, at the core of IPI’s scientific mission, are complementary rather than duplicative of the world’s protein information resources. 

Derivative products from IPI’s knowledge base will include antibody product datasheets, distribution catalogues, white papers and other publications to enable researchers to assess the quality and use of these antibodies.    

IPI is systematically developing antibodies for cell surface receptors and ligands that are well characterized and validated, with the aim to support reproducible research into human health and disease.  In time, resources spanning the human proteome and those of various model organisms are being contemplated.  

Primary Responsibilities

The Scientific Database Curator is at the center of knowledge management related to IPI’s antigen family targets and antibody tools.  As such, this position collaborates with Scientists on the Antibody Platform, Antibody Discovery, and Characterization and Validation teams, technical staff in Antibody Distribution and the computational team.  [IPI is establishing a new Computational Biology and Bioinformatics group.]  Specific responsibilities include:

·        Curating scientific data from IPI’s Antibody Platform in IPI’s key information systems, obtained from the Antigen Production, Antibody Discovery and Characterization and Validation teams, for derivative outputs such as datasheets, online catalogs and white papers.

·        Maintaining appropriate cross-references with major online information resources, including reference protein knowledge bases (e.g., InterPro, Swiss-Prot, PDB), major antibody reference systems (e.g., CiteAb) and catalog systems of IPI’s key partners, such as Addgene.

·        Generating standard and ad hoc reports to support IPI’ s scientific staff, key distribution, manufacturing and validation partners, the Institute’s target audience, and providing technical support for IPI’s antibody customers.

·        Working with distribution partners and other external collaborators to streamline dissemination of IPI datasheets and white papers.

·        Reporting and presenting data curation projects both internally at IPI, with collaborators and at appropriate protein science and bioinformatics meetings. 

Qualifications

·        PhD in life sciences, preferably in the areas of biochemistry, molecular or cellular biology

·        Proven expertise in data curation through the publication of scientific papers and/or regular submission of data to public databases

·        Preference will be given to candidates with a minimum of 3 years work experience maintaining scientific databases at the institutional, national or international levels

·        Strong attention to detail and proficiency with scientific data reporting

·        Exceptional organizational and time-management skills

·        Affinity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), such as Benchling, and related software tools

·        Effective verbal and written communications skills

·        Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate in a team environment

·        Enthusiastic team member with a strong commitment to IPI’s mission and a desire to conduct impactful science

Work Environment

·        Position requires incumbent to be in-person initially (at IPI’s lab/office located in Boston, MA)

·        Position may be hybrid or fully remote once incumbent has successfully onboarded and assimilated into IPI

IPI provides competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package to support physical, mental and financial health. Highlights of benefits include:

·        100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans

·        Flexible spending accounts and a healthcare reimbursement account

·        401(k) plan with generous 6% employer match – immediately 100% vested

·        Generous PTO package

·        Commuter and parking reimbursement

·        Career development opportunities

For more information, visit proteininnovation.org or follow us on social media, @ipiproteins.

IPI is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization and an equal-opportunity employer. The Institute celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.