At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate chemical data in the ChEBI database and ensure high-quality entries.
- Company: Join the European Bioinformatics Institute, a leader in bioscience resources.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid work, and family allowances.
- Other info: Dynamic campus life with sports, social clubs, and relocation support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global bioscience by enhancing vital databases.
- Qualifications: PhD in chemistry or biochemistry with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Chemical Biology Services Team at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) is looking for a talented scientist with a flair for data curation to be responsible for the quality of chemical and associated data in the ChEBI database. ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) is a database that contains detailed information, including all-important chemical structure data, on small molecules in biology. It is a widely used resource, with millions of accesses every year. In addition, ChEBI underpins many of the key global biological databases upon which researchers in the biosciences are increasingly reliant such as Gene Ontology (GO), Rhea, UniProtKB, IEDB, Reactome, MetaboLights, SwissLipids, and BioModels. The ChEBI database and ontology is a fundamental component of the global bioscience infrastructure, recognised by its designation as an ELIXIR core resource and a Global Core Biodata Resource.
Your work will involve a wide and varied set of tasks and responsibilities, from the creation of database entries through liaising with technical colleagues to working with collaborators, giving training and dealing with user queries.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- You will be responsible for the curation of chemical data in the ChEBI database.
- Reporting to the Chemical Biology Services team leader, the job responsibilities will include:
- Curation of entries into ChEBI, paying particular attention to chemical structures and the ChEBI ontology, to ensure the delivery of high quality data.
- Monitoring ChEBI's monthly release process and liaising with technical/software colleagues if problems arise.
- Monitoring daily/weekly email notifications concerning ChEBI status and liaising with technical colleagues as needed to address any issues.
- Working closely with software engineer colleagues to guide the improvement of annotation tools, access to data, storage of annotation and representation of data.
- Work with the MetaboLights team to deliver the bulk submissions process.
- Contributing to grant applications.
- Active involvement in training and external user support.
- Liaising with key collaborators (e.g. Rhea, GO, IEDB) on problems of mutual interest.
- Giving presentations at conferences, workshops etc.
- Contributing to publications describing updates to the ChEBI database.
You have:
- Excellent attention to details, strong communication skills and be able to interact with technical experts as well as scientists seeking solutions to their "real world" problems.
- A PhD (or equivalent experience) in chemistry or biochemistry.
- The ability to critically assess chemical structures.
- Good communication skills (both verbal and presentational).
You may also have:
- Prior experience of chemical or biological data curation and knowledge of bioinformatics databases.
- Some knowledge of ontologies.
- Experience of querying relational databases using SQL.
- Knowledge of Python scripting.
Apply now!
Benefits and Contract Information:
- Financial incentives: depending on circumstances, monthly family/marriage allowance of £291, monthly child allowance of £351 per child, non-resident allowance up to £595 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 £3,453.05 after tax (but excl. 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.
Chemistry Curator - Chemical Biology Services in Chelmsford employer: EMBL-EBI
At EMBL-EBI, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to make significant contributions to the field of bioinformatics. Located in the picturesque setting of Hinxton near Cambridge, we offer exceptional opportunities for professional growth, access to cutting-edge resources, and the chance to work alongside world-renowned experts in structural biology and machine learning. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and improving human health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chemistry Curator - Chemical Biology Services in Chelmsford
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like EMBL-EBI. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like EMBL-EBI to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to EMBL-EBI, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like EMBL-EBI and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Chemistry Curator - Chemical Biology Services in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at EMBL-EBI. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at EMBL-EBI
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to EMBL-EBI and the Chemistry Curator - Chemical Biology Services role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!