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Computation and Data Specialist, ExFAB BioFoundry in the California NanoSystems Institute
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: October 23, 2026
Next review date: Monday, Nov 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Sunday, Jan 31, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The NSF ExFAB Biofoundry (“ExFAB”) is user facility dedicated to developing and applying novel automated workflows to learn, prototype, and translate biology from unusual microbes into new biotechnologies. ExFAB’s focus is on the microbes that do not conform to standard growth habits and culture conditions or defy our current understanding of biology yet possess traits (e.g. pathways, proteins and structures) that biotechnology should harness. The ExFAB facilities span three campuses: UC Santa Barbara, UC Riverside and Cal Poly Pomona. The UCSB facility features a first-of-its-kind anaerobic chamber.
The primary focus of the ExFAB Computation and Data Specialist is to provide data analysis, data infrastructure, development of AI-based model training and AI-readiness of datasets. The position supports the DTBL (Design-Test-Build-Learn) Cycle, including management of the massive datasets generated by the ExFAB user facility, enabling efficient data exploration and interpretation by users and by AI agents, and providing project tracking. Responsibilities include:
Pipeline Development. The ExFAB Computation and Data Specialist provides support to develop workflows across the biofoundry for data acquisition and analysis for AI-readiness, processing and analysis across data modalities including but not limited to imaging, flow cytometry, metabolomics, and associated metadata. This includes building flexible analysis pipelines, creating machine learning models to maximize the utility of generated data, helping push data exploration and managing data storage systems.
Data Analysis Support. The ExFAB Computation and Data Specialist works closely with domain scientists across the biofoundry to develop customized analysis approaches tailored to non-standard biology, including customized advanced imaging processing (filtering, thresholding, segmentation. Object detection, and tracking for time-series or live imaging, handling high-dimensional datasets flow cytometry) and integration across modalities. Also supports the develop of quantitative data analysis workflows and statistically robust outputs.
Data Infrastructure and Support. The ExFAB Computation and Data Specialist establish systems for data organization, storage, and linkage across experiments and modalities across the biofoundry. Provides dedicated management for the UCSB ExFAB team’s LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) engagement, including training, troubleshooting, and collaboration with the UCR LIMS team.
Qualifications
Master’s Degree in biological science or engineering, including Computer Science, with an emphasis on data and computation or at least 5 years of experience demonstrating expertise in creating and/or administering scientific data organization and/or data mining structures, at the time of application.
Employment at the Full Specialist level may be considered for applicants with a PhD or with at least 10 years of experience in Computer Science, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working with microbiology, including proteomics, metabolomics, phenotyping and genetic engineering
• Multiple programming language (Python, R and/or SQL)
• Demonstrated communication and organization skills to prioritize coordination of multiple assignments/projects/deadlines simultaneously with minimal direction
• Evidence of flexibility and initiative when working within a fast-paced, changing environment
• Management of multiple projects in both team-oriented collaborations and independent ownership
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Excellent written communication skills
• PhD Degree in related field.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
References will be checked after interviews for the top two candidates. We will contact you before we reach out to references
Help contact: alexis_torres@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.