Scientific Software Engineer - Benchling Developer

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.

With a significant endowment, 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 to share with the biomedical community. The Institute's deep protein expertise, collaborative spirit and research tools are powering new biomedical and therapeutic discoveries with a growing community of researchers at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital and other institutions across Greater Boston and beyond.  

Purpose

We are seeking a passionate Scientific Software Engineer / Benchling Developer to join our Lab Informatics team that is building a digital lab platform for the Institute. This role will collaborate closely with researchers to design and implement tools that streamline planning experiments, capturing results, and analyzing data. This position will directly empower scientific discovery, ensuring that complex research processes are transformed into intuitive, reliable digital workflows that enhance data-driven insights and accelerate breakthroughs. 

This position requires a basic understanding of molecular biology, cell line generation, protein sciences, antibody production, large molecule drug discovery, next-generation sequencing (NGS), or other relevant scientific workflows.

Reports to: Director of Automation and Process Optimization

Primary Responsibilities

1.       Collaborate and partner with scientists to design, develop, and deploy Benchling features and custom developer capabilities, such as schemas, workflows, inventories, appCanvas, templates, insights, scripts, and analysis tools.

2.       Develop, design and implement various scientific Dashboards

3.       Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Benchling, supporting active users and advise on the data model.

4.       Create and maintain custom workflows that enhance data management efficiency and traceability.

5.       Ensure consistent and accurate implementation and data integrity throughout the laboratory automation platform.

6.       Contribute to large scale software development projects, ensuring proper use of software repositories.

7.       Integrate Benchling with other scientific software systems to enhance overall functionality.

8.       Integrate lab automation equipment and workflows into Benchling

9.       Develop and manage relevant training materials as needed.

Qualifications

·        Bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. 

·        Minimum of 3 years of industry experience (preferably in the pharmaceutical sector), including hands-on experience with software implementation and programming (e.g., Benchling, SQL).

·        Proficient in dashboard technologies such as Plotly Dash, Seaborn, etc.

·        Basic understanding of molecular biology, cell line generation, protein sciences, antibody production, large molecule drug discovery, next-generation sequencing (NGS), or other relevant scientific workflows.

·        Ability to develop software in Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, ColdFusion, C++, or other programming languages

·        Excellent knowledge of relational and non-relational databases, SQL, MongoDB and ORM technologies

·        Experience developing web applications using at least one popular web framework (e.g. Angular, Ruby, Django, Spring, Express)

·        Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively bridge the gap between scientists and developers.

·        Strong time management abilities, with flexibility to manage urgent projects within tight deadlines.

·        Excellent attention to detail, adherence to safety standards, and strong problem-solving capabilities.

·        Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams and contribute as a team player.

·        Self-motivated and enthusiastic, with leadership qualities and the adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

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. Please be advised that you will be required to provide evidence of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States. IPI will not guarantee sponsorship of foreign nationals and retains complete discretion regarding providing sponsorship to any prospective or existing employee at time of hire or at any time in the future.