InterPro/Pfam Software Project Leader in Chelmsford, Essex

About the team

In your role, you will lead the software development team responsible for the Pfam and InterPro databases. These are two of the worlds most widely used protein family and domain annotation resources, serving thousands of users globally. Reporting to the Head of the Protein Families Group at EMBL-EBI, this role sits at the intersection of cutting-edge bioinformatics and modern software engineering. The team currently comprises several software developers and engineers. We are seeking to hire an InterPro/Pfam Software Project leader to lead a cultural and technical shift towards AI-first development, leveraging AI coding assistants and generative tools to accelerate delivery, improve code quality, and reduce technical debt across both platforms. The chosen candidate will ensure the successful migration of development workflows to AI-assisted practices; delivery of major platform milestones on time and to quality; growth of team capability; and ongoing reliability and performance of the Pfam and InterPro production systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the Pfam/InterPro software development team, managing workload, priorities, and professional development.
• Drive the transition to AI-first software development practices, embedding AI coding tools (e.g. Claude Code, GitHub Copilot) into production workflows.
• Own software architecture and design decisions across the Pfam and InterPro platforms, ensuring scalability, maintainability, and performance.
• Design and maintain relational and NoSQL database schemas supporting large-scale protein family and domain annotation data.
• Lead agile development cycles: sprint planning, code review, CI/CD pipeline management, and release coordination.
• Oversee containerised deployment infrastructure using Kubernetes and cloud-native services.
• Collaborate with bioinformaticians, data scientists, and external stakeholders to translate scientific requirements into robust software solutions.
• Champion software engineering best practices: documentation, testing, version control, and security.
• Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies, including AI/ML tools, to improve developer productivity and system capabilities.
• Contribute to grant applications, publications, and presentations relating to software infrastructure where appropriate.

You have

• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Substantial experience in software design and architecture, including design of large-scale, production-grade systems.
• Demonstrated experience using AI coding tools (e.g. Claude Code, Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor) in a production environment.
• Strong Python programming skills with experience building and maintaining production services.
• Proven expertise in database design, including relational (e.g. MySQL, PostgreSQL) and/or NoSQL systems.
• Experience leading or mentoring a software development team.
• Familiarity with modern DevOps practices: CI/CD, containerisation (Docker), and version control (Git).
• Excellent communication skills; ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, international environment.

You may also have

• Experience with Kubernetes for container orchestration and cloud-native deployments.
• Java programming experience.
• Experience with web technologies (e.g. REST APIs, React, JavaScript/TypeScript).
• Background in bioinformatics or life sciences software development.
• Familiarity with Pfam, InterPro, or related protein family/domain resources.
• Track record of contributing to open-source projects.

Benefits and Contract Information

• Financial incentives: depending on circumstances, monthly family/marriage allowance of £278, monthly child allowance of £336 per child. Non-resident allowance up to £569 per month. Annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover).
• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to eight bank holidays.
• Relocation package including installation grant (as applicable).
• 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, child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances.
• Contract duration: This position is a 3-year contract renewable up to 9 years.
• Salary: Monthly salary starting at £4,206 after tax (but excluding pension & insurances) + benefits (Total package will be dependent on family circumstances).
• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions.
• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL-EBI, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ and individuals from all nationalities.
• Job location: This role is based in Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK. You will be required to relocate if you are based overseas and you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.

How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system before the closing date.