At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and maintain cutting-edge web hosting platforms using Kubernetes and automation tools.
- Company: Join a leading scientific organisation with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the scientific community while advancing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in web hosting, Kubernetes, and CI/CD; strong Linux skills required.
We are seeking a skilled individual to join our Applications Group and contribute to the success of our applications portfolio, joining the team as a Site Reliability Engineer. Within the Applications Group, the Web Applications Platform Team is responsible for providing the platforms on which all EBI web services are hosted. A couple of years ago, the web hosting service started shifting to a container-based model, and our goal is to accelerate and consolidate this trend. Our web services are very popular among the scientific community, and the average monthly request count is over 3,000 million.
Working closely with the different IT groups like Infrastructure and Operations, this position will help design, implement and administer the future platform on which all our scientific web services will be running.
Duties & Responsibilities
In this role you will:
- Be responsible for building and maintaining the following environments:
- Web Hosting platform based on Kubernetes, where users can deploy web applications along with the following ecosystem:
- Infrastructure and application monitoring based on Prometheus
- Web analytics platform, currently based on ElasticSearch
- CI/CD tools like Gitlab
- Drive automation and change to simplify management, operations and increase efficiency
- Ensure documentation is of standard
- Drive SRE best practices
This position will contribute directly to the above-mentioned projects and tasks and will help the team move forward with the production automation. This position will also help and guide other team members with daily prioritisation of tasks.
You have (Requirements)
Bachelor's degree or higher in computer science or a related discipline, or demonstrate equivalent experience. The role would be suitable for a Unix/Linux systems administrator with good web hosting, Kubernetes, and CI/CD understanding.
- At least 3 years of experience in the design, implementation and operation of large scale web hosting platforms.
- Experience managing public-facing production services
- Experience working with Agile methodologies
- 3 years of experience with automated deployment/configuration methods (e.g. Ansible, Puppet, Terraform)
- Solid experience in Kubernetes deployment and administration in public or private cloud
- Strong Linux administration skills, ideally with RHEL or a RHEL clone
- Solid skills in automation tools like Jenkins, Rundeck, or similar.
- Hands-on experience using Git in CI/CD and infrastructure-as-code workflows.
- Solid skills in at least one programming language, ideally Python
- Experience with methodologies for infrastructure monitoring.
- Solid interpersonal and written English communication skills
- Proven ability to work well in a team, building positive relationships and sharing knowledge
- Ability to plan and prioritise workloads
You might also have (Desirable)
- Experience with cloud technologies, including Google or AWS certification
- Experience with Web Security best practices (OWASP)
Behaviours we value in our team:
You will possess strong communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a collaborative and effective manner in multidisciplinary, international teams! A technical expert in your area of expertise, willing to share knowledge and keep up with trends!
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 from £3,303 - £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.
- 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 9/03/2026.
Senior Site Reliability Engineer in Saffron Walden 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 Senior Site Reliability Engineer in Saffron Walden
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with current employees at the company. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a GitHub or portfolio showcasing your projects, make sure to share it during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise in Kubernetes and CI/CD tools.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of web hosting platforms and automation tools. Practising with mock interviews can help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Site Reliability Engineer in Saffron Walden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:When applying, make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Senior Site Reliability Engineer. Highlight your experience with Kubernetes and CI/CD tools, and show us how you can contribute to our Applications Group.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your CV, don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! Include specific examples of your work with large-scale web hosting platforms and any automation tools you've used. We want to see your hands-on experience!
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use bullet points for your achievements and responsibilities to help us quickly grasp your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our online system! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at EMBL-EBI
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Kubernetes, CI/CD tools, and Linux administration skills. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've designed or improved web hosting platforms in the past. Think about specific situations where you drove automation or simplified management processes, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since this role involves collaboration with various IT groups, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Use examples from your previous work to demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships and share knowledge effectively.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with the company's values around diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a collaborative environment and support multidisciplinary teams, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
