Chemistry Curator - Chemical Biology Services in London

Chemistry Curator - Chemical Biology Services in London

London Full-Time No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Curate chemical data in the ChEBI database and ensure high-quality information.
  • Company: Join the European Bioinformatics Institute, a leader in bioscience resources.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid work, private medical insurance, and generous leave.
  • Other info: Collaborate with global experts and contribute to significant scientific publications.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in biosciences while working with cutting-edge data.
  • Qualifications: PhD in chemistry or biochemistry and strong communication skills required.

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

Chemistry Curator - Chemical Biology Services in London 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.

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Contact Details:

EMBL-EBI Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Chemistry Curator - Chemical Biology Services in London

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We think you need these skills to ace Chemistry Curator - Chemical Biology Services in London

Data Curation
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Chemical Structure Assessment
Bioinformatics Knowledge
Ontology Knowledge
SQL Querying

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!