Sr. Semantic Engineer

*What you will do*

In this vital role you will be part of Researchs Semantic Graph Team is seeking a dedicated and skilled Semantic Data Engineer to build and optimize knowledge graph-based software and data resources. This role primarily focuses on working with technologies such as RDF, SPARQL, and Python. In addition, the position involves semantic data integration and cloud-based data engineering.

The ideal candidate should possess experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, demonstrate deep technical skills, and be proficient with big data technologies and demonstrate experience in semantic modeling. A deep understanding of data architecture and ETL processes is also essential for this role.

In this role, you will be responsible for constructing semantic data pipelines, integrating both relational and graph-based data sources, ensuring seamless data interoperability, and leveraging cloud platforms to scale data solutions effectively.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain semantic data pipelines using Python, RDF, SPARQL, and linked data technologies.
• Develop and maintain semantic data models for biopharma scientific data
• Integrate relational databases (SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, etc.) with semantic frameworks.
• Ensure interoperability across federated data sources, linking relational and graph-based data.
• Implement and optimize CI/CD pipelines using GitLab and AWS.
• Leverage cloud services (AWS Lambda, S3, Databricks, etc.) to support scalable knowledge graph solutions.
• Collaborate with global multi-functional teams, including research scientists, Data Architects, Business SMEs, Software Engineers, and Data Scientists to understand data requirements, design solutions, and develop end-to-end data pipelines to meet fast-paced business needs across geographic regions.
• Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and domain experts to improve research data accessibility.
• Adhere to standard processes for coding, testing, and designing reusable code/components.
• Explore new tools and technologies to improve ETL platform performance.
• Participate in sprint planning meetings and provide estimations on technical implementation.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of processes, systems, and solutions.
• Harmonize research data to appropriate taxonomies, ontologies, and controlled vocabularies for context and reference knowledge.

Basic Qualifications and Experience:

• Doctorate Degree OR Masters degree with 4 - 6 years of experience in Computer Science, IT, Computational Chemistry, Computational Biology/Bioinformatics or related field OR
• Bachelors degree with 6 - 8 years of experience in Computer Science, IT, Computational Chemistry, Computational Biology/Bioinformatics or related field OR
• Diploma with years of experience in Computer Science, IT, Computational Chemistry, Computational Biology/Bioinformatics or related field

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• 6+ years of experience in designing and supporting biopharma scientific research data analytics (software platforms)

Functional Skills:

Must-Have Skills:

• Advanced Semantic and Relational Data Skills: Proficiency in Python, RDF, SPARQL, Graph Databases (e.g. Allegrograph), SQL, relational databases, ETL pipelines, big data technologies (e.g. Databricks), semantic data standards (OWL, W3C, FAIR principles), ontology development and semantic modeling practices.
• Cloud and Automation Expertise: Good experience in using cloud platforms (preferably AWS) for data engineering, along with Python for automation, data federation techniques, and model-driven architecture for scalable solutions.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Excellent problem-solving skills with hands-on experience in test automation frameworks (pytest), scripting tasks, and handling large, complex datasets.

*Good-to-Have Skills:*

• Experience in biotech/drug discovery data engineering
• Experience applying knowledge graphs, taxonomy and ontology concepts in life sciences and chemistry domains
• Experience with graph databases (Allegrograph, Neo4j, GraphDB, Amazon Neptune)
• Familiarity with Cypher, GraphQL, or other graph query languages
• Experience with big data tools (e.g. Databricks)
• Experience in biomedical or life sciences research data management

*Soft Skills:*

• Excellent critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated awareness of how to function in a team setting
• Demonstrated presentation skills.