Location: EMBL-EBI, Hinxton near Cambridge, UK
Staff Category: Staff Member
Contract Duration: 3 years
Grading: 5 (starts at £2,676.73 net per month)
Closing Date: 30 September 2019
Reference Number: EBI01503
The Applications team is looking for a talented software developer to create innovative web applications and RESTful APIs as part of the Ensembl project at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), situated in South Cambridgeshire. Ensembl (http://www.ensembl.org/) is one of the most successful large-scale bioinformatics projects and one of the leading projects for genome annotation. We import massive amounts of data from various archives (genome sequences, variation archives, etc) and use them to create syntheses (gene annotation, whole-genome alignments, gene trees, regulatory elements, etc).
Our services are freely open to all scientists around the world, and serve a range of uses, from basic science to biomedical research. The Applications team in particular develops and maintains specialised web applications that offer scientists specialised views into the Ensembl data ecosystem.
Your role
In this role, you will have the opportunity to design, build and deliver software that will be used by biomedical researchers around the world and accelerate genomic science. The software you write will typically be web applications which provide users with bespoke interfaces.
You will have the opportunity to design and implement these interfaces, allowing you to be responsible for the look and feel of the applications. These applications will also present public RESTful APIs to enable bioinformaticians to interact with our services programmatically.
You will be responsible for designing and creating these APIs. There will be the opportunity for you to research and suggest architectural options and see them through to delivery.
You will be expected to be able to work independently; with other members of the team and with other teams at EMBL-EBI in a collaborative environment. You will engage with specialist users who will collaborate in the design of new tools. Although this is not a research role, EMBL-EBI is a research organisation and this is reflected in its culture. Within the team you will be able to help evolve best practices and have input into broader discussions.
You have
- MSc in Computer Science (or a related field), equivalent qualifications or experience.
- Previous experience of working as a software developer in a collaborative environment
- Experience of using Git- Good working knowledge of 2 or more programming languages, including python
- Practical experience of RDBMSs and NoSQL solutions (including either Mysql, Postgres and MongoDB)
- Experience of designing and building intuitive user interfaces
- Familiarity and experience of methodologies such as Scrum, XP and ‘Agile’
- A genuine curiosity about science
- Experience of RESTful API design, development and utilisation
- A desire to write quality, maintainable code as part of a team
You might also have
- Qualifications or experience of biology, biochemistry, genomics or bioinformatics (beneficial, but not essential)
- Experience of containerisation and cloud infrastructure
- Experience of mentoring other developers
Why join us
At EMBL-EBI, we help scientists realise the potential of ‘big data’ in biology by enabling them to exploit complex information to make discoveries that benefit mankind.
Working for EMBL-EBI gives you an opportunity to apply your skills and energy for the greater good.
As part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), we are a non-profit, intergovernmental organisation funded by over 27 member states and two associate member states.
We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus near Cambridge in the UK, and our 600 staff are engineers, technicians, scientists and other professionals from all over the world.
EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme and health insurance, educational and other family related benefits where applicable, as well as financial support for relocation and installation. For more information about pay and benefits click here
We have an informal culture, international working environment and excellent professional development opportunities but one of the really amazing things about us is the concentration of technical and scientific expertise – something you probably won’t find anywhere else.
If you’ve ever visited the campus you’ll have experienced first-hand our friendly, collegial and supportive atmosphere, set in the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. Our staff also enjoy excellent sports facilities including a gym, a free shuttle bus, an on-site nursery, cafés and restaurant and a library.
What else you need to know
To view a copy of the full job description please click here.
To apply please submit a covering letter and CV through our online system. Applications are welcome from all nationalities and this will continue after Brexit. For more information please see our website. Visa information will be discussed in more depth with applicants selected for interview.
EMBL-EBI is committed to achieving gender balance and strongly encourages applications from women, who are currently under-represented at all levels. Appointment will be based on merit alone.
Applications will close at 23:00 GMT on the date listed above.
