At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and maintain scalable data systems for innovative agricultural biotechnology.
- Company: Join Terrana Biosciences, a leader in sustainable farming solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly pay, potential benefits through staffing company, and a chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and meaningful contributions.
- Why this job: Transform scientific data management and drive innovation in agriculture with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in data engineering, AWS, and a passion for biotechnology.
The predicted salary is between 71.39 - 71.39 £ per hour.
Founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, Terrana Biosciences is a cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based products to address global agricultural challenges. We are committed to advancing sustainable farming solutions through precision technologies that ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.
We are seeking a skilled and strategically minded contract Data Infrastructure Engineer to design, implement, and maintain scalable data systems that support our growing scientific and operational needs. This role will focus on building platform-agnostic, cloud-native infrastructure—primarily in AWS—that underpins key scientific software such as Benchling, ticketing systems, analytics platforms, and high-throughput lab workflows. You will partner closely with bioinformatics, ML/AI & software, and lab operations teams to ensure our data is structured, accessible, and reliable for both routine and high-volume analyses. You’ll play a pivotal role in transforming how we manage and leverage scientific data—helping us drive innovation, increase data integrity, and future-proof our data systems. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful science with cutting-edge infrastructure and a mission-driven team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, build, and maintain relational and non-relational databases in AWS (RDS, Redshift, DynamoDB, etc.)
- Lead data model architecture for scientific workflows, ticketing systems, and knowledge platforms
- Lead technical consulting engagements with LIMS experts at the cutting edge of biotechnology to enable high-throughput workflows and analytics
- Develop and manage data pipelines for ingesting, cleaning, and transforming lab and operational data
- Implement and enforce data governance, security, and access control best practices
- Collaborate cross-functionally with software engineers, ML/AI scientists and domain scientists to ensure performance and alignment with scientific tools (e.g., Benchling)
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize database performance and resource usage
- Document and automate standard procedures for system maintenance, updates, and data access
- Leverage generative AI tools (e.g., Cursor, GitHub Copilot, or custom LLMs) to accelerate scripting, automate documentation, improve query generation, or enhance system monitoring and diagnostics
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Bioinformatics, or a related field
- Master’s degree in a technical field or equivalent professional experience in cloud-based data infrastructure or scientific computing highly preferred
- 4+ years of experience in database administration, data engineering, or infrastructure roles
- Deep experience with AWS cloud services, including RDS, Athena, S3, and IAM
- Experience modeling laboratory workflows within a LIMS, including change management and training of users
- Experience as an information management system administrator or owner, Benchling preferred
- Proficient in SQL, data modeling, ETL/ELT workflows, and interacting with APIs
- Familiarity with version control, CI/CD, and infrastructure-as-code tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation)
- 2+ years of experience with Bioinformatics workflow management tools, Nextflow preferred
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset
- Experience in a life sciences or biotech environment
- Exposure to Smartsheet preferred
- Familiarity with scientific data standards and FAIR principles preferred
- Scripting experience (Python, Shell) for automation and data transformation preferred
- Experience applying generative AI tools to support infrastructure automation, data engineering, or operational tooling preferred
- Interest in emerging AI-native workflows to enhance data and platform productivity preferred
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA or Durham, NC
Senior Data Infrastructure Engineer (Contract) employer: Terrana Biosciences
Terrana Biosciences is an exceptional employer located in Cambridge, MA, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of agricultural biotechnology. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for professional development and mentorship, ensuring that team members can thrive while contributing to meaningful advancements in sustainable farming solutions. The inclusive culture and focus on cutting-edge research make Terrana an attractive place for passionate scientists looking to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Infrastructure Engineer (Contract)
✨Get Involved in Biotech Meetups
Join local biotech meetups or online forums where professionals chat about the latest trends and projects. This is a great way to meet potential clients and collaborators who might need your skills for freelance gigs—don’t forget to bring your A-game pitching ideas!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a public portfolio showcasing your projects, experiments, or contributions to scientific publications. As a freelancer in biotech, this visibility could attract startups or research teams looking for specific expertise—trust us, having a solid online presence can make all the difference!
✨Tap into Industry Networks
Utilise industry-specific networks like Biotech Showcase or local innovation hubs. These channels often have listings for freelance opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so make sure you’re tapped into those networks to find the hidden gems!
✨Pitch to Research Institutions Directly
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—reach out to universities and research institutions that align with your skills. Developing targeted pitches for specific labs can lead to contract work, as many are looking for freelancers who can bring fresh insights to their projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Infrastructure Engineer (Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a freelance gig in biotechnology, make sure to highlight any lab techniques or processes you're familiar with—think PCR, sequencing, or even cell culture! This industry is all about those hands-on skills, so don’t shy away from detailing your experience in your CV.
Put Your Projects in the Spotlight:Creating a strong portfolio is key for freelance roles. Make sure to include any relevant projects you've worked on, whether they were for school, previous jobs, or personal research. This is your chance to showcase your expertise, so detail your contributions and the outcomes!
Tailor Your Rates to the Industry:When applying for freelance positions, be upfront about your rates but also consider the industry standards. Research what others in the biotech space are charging and adjust your pricing accordingly, so you're competitive while still recognising your worth.
Make Your Availability Clear:As a freelancer, it's crucial to outline your availability in your application. Let Terrana Biosciences know when you can start and how many hours per week you can dedicate to the project. Being clear about your schedule shows your organisational skills and commitment right from the get-go.
How to prepare for a job interview at Terrana Biosciences
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
For a freelance gig in biotechnology, it’s crucial to demonstrate your practical lab skills. Bring along a portfolio showcasing your past projects, experiments, or publications that highlight your proficiency with techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or CRISPR. This tangible evidence can make you stand out in a field that highly values hands-on experience.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect to face some tough technical questions that dive deep into biological processes and methodologies. Brush up on current trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology; the interviewer might want to know your thoughts on emerging technologies or ethical considerations in gene editing. This shows not only your knowledge but also your passion for the field.
✨Pitch as a Problem Solver
Since you're applying for a freelance position, think of yourself as a consultant who can provide creative solutions to problems. Be prepared to pitch how your unique skill set can help Terrana Biosciences solve specific challenges they face in their projects. This proactive approach will resonate well with potential clients and help you stand out.
✨Flexibility is Key
Freelance work often comes with variable schedules and project scopes, so emphasise your ability to adapt and manage your time effectively. Discuss how you've successfully juggled multiple projects or adapted to changing requirements in past roles. This will reassure Terrana Biosciences that you're dependable and can handle the dynamic nature of freelance work.
