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- Tasks: Join the Ensembl team to develop and modernise the Variant Effect Predictor using Python.
- Company: EMBL-EBI, a leading bioinformatics research institute with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in genomics while developing your skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in software development, strong Python skills, and a passion for genomics.
- Other info: Exciting campus life with sports, social activities, and a supportive community.
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated software developer to join the Ensembl team at EMBL-EBI and contribute to the development of the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor (VEP). Ensembl provides open-access, high-quality genome data for a wide range of species. We offer intuitive tools to explore genes, variants, epigenomes and comparative genomics with ease. Ensembl VEP is our most popular tool. It leverages data from Ensembl and other public open sources to create detailed variant annotations, enabling filtering and prioritisation. It is used in a wide range of research projects and genomics resources and in diagnostic pipelines in clinical genomics labs.
As part of the Ensembl Variation team, you will contribute to the re-implementation and modernisation of Ensembl VEP. This new version is being developed in Python (the current version is in Perl) and will be optimised for the increased data scale and the data types now accessible via modern sequencing technologies. You will work closely with one other developer on code development and review and with the broader team and external collaborators on design and testing. You will also create documentation and interact with the Ensembl VEP user community to aid transition to the updated tool.
Your role offers someone with scientific curiosity and initiative an exciting opportunity to contribute to a highly-used open-source bioinformatics tool and to develop domain knowledge in a fast-moving scientific area. You will see the impact of your work through interactions with collaborators and the broader community.
Main duties and responsibilities:- Developing components of Ensembl VEP functionality including ingestion of genomic data in standard bioinformatics formats; performant identification of overlapping features and calculation of functional sequence change; methods to enable others to integrate new functionality and methods to enable efficient management of large scale genomic data.
- Reviewing the code written by other developers to ensure efficiency and robustness.
- Migrating and extending existing test suites.
- Creating clear documentation and other resources to enable Ensembl VEP users to transition to the new implementation.
- Collaborating with members of the wider Ensembl team and our external collaborators to understand user requirements and data types.
- Contributing to GA4GH efforts to define and implement community standards for variant data representation.
- Supporting our users and presenting our work at internal meetings and scientific conferences.
- Experience in the design and development of user-friendly software, with high proficiency in Python.
- Three or more (3+) years of experience in software development using standard approaches (source control, containerisation, CI/CD).
- Experience of creating tools or methods to manage and process large-scale data, preferably genomics or variation data.
- Experience collaborating on development projects and working with colleagues from different disciplines.
- 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.
- Experience of, or interest in, genomics and variant interpretation.
- Familiarity with the 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 with a range of bioinformatics or statistical tools and data formats.
- Familiarity with multiple programming languages; Perl, C++, and Rust are particularly relevant.
- A higher degree in software development, bioinformatics, computational sciences, or a related field.
- Experience working with cloud computing (AWS/GCP).
- Working hours: 39 per week full time. We are also open to applications from candidates looking for part time hours and could accommodate 0.8 FTE or 0.9 FTE too.
- Interviews: We plan to hold interviews via VC at the end of March 2026.
- Apply now!
- 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 project based contract.
- Salary: Monthly salary starting from £3,303 or £3,695 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. Read more on our page for international applicants.
- 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.
- To apply, please submit a covering letter and CV via our online system. Applications will close on 14/02/2026.
Bioinformatics Engineer in Saffron Walden employer: EMBL-EBI
Contact Detail:
EMBL-EBI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bioinformatics Engineer in Saffron Walden
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with professionals in the bioinformatics field through LinkedIn or relevant forums. Engaging with the community can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to Python and bioinformatics. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do and how you approach problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common bioinformatics questions and coding challenges. Practising with friends or using online platforms can help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to reach out directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Bioinformatics Engineer in Saffron Walden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in Python and any relevant bioinformatics projects. Show us your passion for genomics and how you can contribute to the Ensembl VEP team.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to match the job description. Emphasise your software development skills, especially in managing large-scale genomic data, and any experience with tools like Nextflow or cloud computing.
Show Off Your Collaboration Skills: We love teamwork! In your application, mention any past experiences where you collaborated with others on development projects. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve worked across disciplines.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our online system. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at EMBL-EBI
✨Know Your Python Inside Out
Since the role heavily involves Python, make sure you brush up on your skills. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects and how you've used Python to solve complex problems, especially in bioinformatics or data processing.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ensembl VEP
Take some time to explore the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor. Understanding its functionalities and how it integrates genomic data will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to software development practices, such as source control and CI/CD. Be ready to explain your experience with these tools and how they contribute to efficient coding and project management.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This position requires working closely with other developers and external collaborators. Prepare examples of past teamwork experiences, highlighting your communication skills and how you’ve successfully collaborated across disciplines.
