About the team and role
The Ensembl Project based at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) develops free, comprehensive genome data services for a worldwide audience, distributing gene and genome data through an online genome browser and publicly accessible databases and APIs. We are seeking a highly motivated, talented, and experienced Bioinformatics Developer to contribute to Ensembl's variation and phenotype resources.
In the Ensembl Variation team, we build workflows for the aggregation and annotation of large-scale data from public archives. We develop tools for data access, visualisation, and variant interpretation, including the widely-used Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor (Ensembl VEP) tool. Improvements in sequencing technology and the development of novel techniques are generating new data types and datasets which are increasing in size and complexity. These data need efficient management and intuitive presentation to reach their full scientific potential, improving our understanding of genetic disease, evolution, and population genetics. We collaborate with clinical research scientists, genomics researchers, and standards-setting communities to help guide development of our services.
Your role
This position offers a motivated candidate an exciting opportunity to contribute to highly-used open-source bioinformatics resources and to develop domain knowledge in a fast-moving scientific area. You will work closely with a team of bioinformaticians and developers and interact with other groups at the EMBL-EBI and beyond.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Developing and maintaining tools for the functional annotation and prioritisation of genomics variants, including Ensembl VEP.
- Developing, maintaining, and running efficient methods for management of and access to large-scale variation data for community use and to power the Ensembl website.
- Investigating and integrating new sources of genomic variation, phenotype association data, and prediction tools.
- Collaborating with members of the wider Ensembl team on specific development projects and to coordinate regular data and software releases.
- Liaising with other groups at EMBL-EBI and external collaborators to add new functionalities to our tools and agree on community standards for data representation.
- Supporting our users and presenting our work at internal meetings and scientific conferences.
You have
- Experience in the design and development of user-friendly software, with high proficiency in Python.
- Experience of managing and analysing large-scale genomics data, preferably genetic variation data.
- Experience working with large-scale relational databases, preferably MySQL.
- Experience collaborating on projects, working with colleagues from different disciplines, and using version control platforms like GitHub.
- Proficiency working in a UNIX/Linux environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to deliver a high-quality product to agreed deadlines.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Scientific curiosity and initiative.
- A PhD or equivalent experience in genetics, biological or computational sciences
You may also have
- Familiarity with Ensembl resources, in particular Ensembl VEP.
- Experience working in a HPC bioinformatics environment, ideally creating and managing efficient large-scale data analysis pipelines using NextFlow.
- Experience designing and developing REST or GraphQL APIs.
- Experience with a range of bioinformatics or statistical tools and data formats.
- Familiarity with another programming language.
Other helpful information:
Contract length: 3 years (project based)
Salary: Grade 5 - 6 monthly salary from £3,229 - £3,612 plus financial allowances based on personal circumstances. Excluding pension and insurance contributions.
Interviews: We plan to hold interviews remotely to invited candidates end of August 2025.
Hybrid Working: At EMBL-EBI we are pleased to offer hybrid working options for all our employees. A dedicated desk will be available everyday, but most of our team choose to work two days on site and three from home.
Why join us
Do something meaningful
At EMBL-EBI you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges. EMBL-EBI, part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, is a worldwide leader in the storage, analysis and dissemination of large biological datasets. We provide the global research community with access to publicly available databases and tools which are crucial for the advancement of healthcare, food security, and biodiversity.
Join a culture of innovation
We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential. Watch this video to see how EMBL-EBI makes an impact.
Enjoy lots of benefits:
- Financial incentives:Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
- Flexible working arrangements -including hybrid working patterns
- Private medical insurancefor you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
- Generous time off:30 days annual leave per year, in addition public holidays
- Relocation packageincluding installation grant (if required)
- Campus life:Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
- Family benefits:On-site nursery, 10 days of child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
- Benefits for non-UK residents:Visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non-resident allowance.
For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page here.
What else you need to know
- International applicants:We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Please take a look at our International Applicants page for further information.
- EMBL is a signatory of DORA.Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.
- Diversity and inclusion:At EMBL, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ & individuals from all nationalities.
- How to apply:To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
Closing Date
10/08/2025
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