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 Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Terrana Biosciences. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Terrana Biosciences!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Infrastructure Engineer (Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Terrana Biosciences that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Terrana Biosciences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Terrana Biosciences does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Terrana Biosciences
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Terrana Biosciences. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Terrana Biosciences's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Terrana Biosciences. This shows your passion for the industry!
