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Data Annotation Biology Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Manager - Bioinformatics

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

... data analysis, including quality control, alignment, variant calling, annotation, filtering ... Required QualificationsPhD degree with experience in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology ...

Data Annotation Biology information

What is data annotation in biology?

Data annotation in biology involves labeling or tagging biological data—such as images, gene sequences, or medical records—with relevant information to make it useful for research and machine learning. Annotators may identify specific features, mark regions of interest, or classify data according to biological characteristics. This work is crucial for training artificial intelligence systems to recognize patterns, make predictions, and automate analyses in biological research. Annotated datasets help improve the accuracy and reliability of computational models in genomics, microscopy, drug discovery, and more.

What are the unique challenges faced by data annotators working with biological datasets, and how can they be addressed?

Data annotators in biology often encounter challenges such as dealing with complex, high-dimensional data (like gene sequences or microscopy images) and the need for a deep understanding of biological terminology and context. Errors in annotation can significantly impact downstream research or machine learning models, so maintaining accuracy is crucial. Collaborating closely with biologists and domain experts helps ensure consistency and correctness, while ongoing training and clear annotation guidelines help address ambiguities. Staying up-to-date with evolving biological standards and tools is also essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data annotation biology specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Annotation Biology specialist, you need a solid background in biological sciences, attention to detail, and experience handling scientific datasets, often supported by a degree in biology or a related field. Familiarity with annotation tools, bioinformatics databases, and software such as BLAST or Ensembl is typically required, alongside knowledge of data management systems. Strong analytical thinking, precision, and good communication skills help you interpret complex biological data and collaborate effectively with researchers. These skills ensure the accuracy and utility of annotated datasets, which are critical for advancing biological research and data-driven discoveries.

What is the difference between Data Annotation Biology vs Data Labeling Specialist?

AspectData Annotation BiologyData Labeling Specialist
Required CredentialsBiology degree or related certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent, training in labeling tools
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, research settings, or remoteOffice, remote, or data centers
Industry UsageBiotech, healthcare, researchTech, AI, machine learning
Job FocusAnnotating biological data, images, and sequencesLabeling various data types for AI models

Data Annotation Biology involves annotating biological data, often requiring a background in biology, while Data Labeling Specialists focus on labeling diverse data types for AI applications, with less emphasis on biological expertise. Both roles are essential in data preparation but serve different industry needs.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Data Annotation Biology jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Data Annotation Biology job openings:

Infographic showing various Data Annotation Biology job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Manager - Bioinformatics

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

At Caris, we understand that cancer is an ugly word-a word no one wants to hear, but one that connects us all. That's why we're not just transforming cancer care-we're changing lives.
We introduced precision medicine to the world and built an industry around the idea that every patient deserves answers as unique as their DNA. Backed by cutting-edge molecular science and AI, we ask ourselves every day: "What would I do if this patient were my mom?" That question drives everything we do.
But our mission doesn't stop with cancer. We're pushing the frontiers of medicine and leading a revolution in healthcare-driven by innovation, compassion, and purpose.
Join us in our mission to improve the human condition across multiple diseases. If you're passionate about meaningful work and want to be part of something bigger than yourself, Caris is where your impact begins.
Position Summary
The Manager, Bioinformatics leads a team of bioinformatics scientists responsible for the development, validation, implementation, and support of next-generation sequencing (NGS) bioinformatics pipelines and analytical workflows within a clinical or translational genomics environment. This role combines technical expertise, project leadership, and people management to ensure delivery of reliable, scalable, and compliant bioinformatics solutions supporting research, assay development, validation activities, and clinical operations. The Manager partners closely with laboratory, clinical, software engineering, IT, quality, and scientific stakeholders to advance genomic testing capabilities and operational excellence.
Job Responsibilities
  • Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of bioinformatics scientists, including hiring support, onboarding, performance management, career development, and workload prioritization.
  • Manage day-to-day bioinformatics operations and ensure timely delivery of high-quality analytical solutions across development, validation, and production activities.
  • Establish project plans, priorities, timelines, and resource allocations for team initiatives and cross-functional programs.
  • Oversee development, optimization, validation, and maintenance of NGS bioinformatics pipelines and workflows.
  • Support end-to-end genomic data analysis, including quality control, alignment, variant calling, annotation, filtering, interpretation support, and reporting workflows.
  • Lead analytical development and validation activities for NGS assays, including performance assessment, reproducibility studies, concordance analysis, quality metrics, and documentation.
  • Drive implementation of scalable, automated, and reproducible computational workflows using software development and bioinformatics best practices.
  • Collaborate with software engineering and IT teams to support cloud-based infrastructure, workflow execution, data storage, monitoring, and system performance.
  • Ensure bioinformatics processes comply with applicable quality, regulatory, documentation, privacy, and security requirements.
  • Partner with laboratory scientists, molecular pathologists, clinical teams, statisticians, and researchers to translate scientific and clinical requirements into analytical solutions.
  • Monitor project progress, identify risks and dependencies, communicate status updates, and facilitate resolution of technical and operational challenges.
  • Investigate and resolve complex pipeline, assay, and data quality issues while supporting production operations as needed.
  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert for bioinformatics workflows, genomic analyses, and assay validation efforts.
  • Stay current on emerging technologies, tools, methodologies, and industry best practices in genomics and bioinformatics.

Required Qualifications
  • PhD degree with experience in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics, Computer Science, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 to 8 years of hands-on bioinformatics experience supporting NGS pipeline development, validation, or production operations.
  • Minimum of 2 to 4 years of people leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated experience managing projects and coordinating cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Strong knowledge of NGS data analysis methods, quality metrics, bioinformatics workflows, and genomic data interpretation.
  • Strong programming and scripting skills using Python, Bash, SQL, R, or equivalent tools.
  • Experience with AWS or other cloud computing platforms supporting genomic data processing and storage.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting both research and clinical bioinformatics environments.
  • Experience with liquid biopsy, MRD, cancer early detection, ctDNA analysis, or related applications.
  • Experience with multi-omic data integration and advanced genomic analyses.
  • Experience working in CLIA, CAP, NYSDOH, FDA, ISO, or comparable regulated environments.
  • Experience preparing validation reports, technical documentation, regulatory support materials, or scientific publications.

Physical Demands
  • Must be able to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.

Training
  • All required training will be assigned based on job responsibilities.

Other
  • May require occasional travel, after-hours support, and participation in on-call activities.

Conditions of Employment: Individual must successfully complete pre-employment process, which includes criminal background check, drug screening, credit check ( applicable for certain positions) and reference verification.
This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Caris Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.