At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate and integrate molecular interaction data using AI-assisted technologies.
- Company: Join EMBL-EBI, a leader in biological data resources.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive health insurance.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global biological knowledge and research.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc in relevant life sciences with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 41424 - 46332 £ per year.
Join the Molecular Networks team at EMBL-EBI and help build the next generation of biological knowledge resources used by researchers worldwide. Our team develops and operates internationally recognised data resources including IntAct and Complex Portal, which provide expertly curated information on molecular interactions and macromolecular complexes. These resources support systems biology, drug discovery, and biomedical research by making complex biological knowledge accessible through high-quality curation, modern data services, and programmatic APIs.
We are seeking a Scientific Data Curator to contribute to the curation and integration of molecular interaction and macromolecular complex data. In this role, you will work at the intersection of biocuration, bioinformatics, and emerging AI-assisted curation technologies, helping to extract and structure biological knowledge from the scientific literature and integrate it into internationally used biological databases.
Your role is an exciting opportunity to contribute to globally used biological knowledgebases IntAct and Complex Portal. You will curate and integrate biological knowledge about molecular interactions and macromolecular complexes, ensuring that the data captured in these resources is accurate, consistent, and useful to the international scientific community. Working closely with bioinformaticians, software developers, and international collaborators, you will contribute to the development of modern curation workflows that combine expert manual curation with AI-assisted literature mining and knowledge extraction tools.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Curating molecular interaction and complex information from the scientific literature and direct user data depositions
- Capturing biological knowledge using controlled vocabularies, ontologies, and community data standards
- Validating and improving data extracted through AI-assisted literature mining tools
- Collaborating with software developers to improve biocuration tools and curation pipelines
- Contributing to the development and application of community standards for molecular interaction data
- Supporting data integration with other EMBL-EBI resources and international biological databases
- Engaging with the scientific community to ensure high-quality representation of experimental data
As part of the team, you will interact with an international community of researchers, database users, and collaborators, helping ensure that the curated knowledge captured in these resources remains accurate, comprehensive, and accessible.
You have:
- A PhD or MSc in molecular biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, or a related life science discipline
- Strong understanding of molecular biology, protein interactions, or cellular pathways
- Experience in analysing and interpreting scientific literature
- Familiarity with biological databases or bioinformatics resources
- Experience in data curation, knowledge representation, and biological data standards
- Strong interest in intelligent use of AI
- Experience in LLM use in a biological data context
- Ability to work with structured data and attention to detail
- Strong organisational and analytical skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international team
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and English language skills
You may also have:
- Experience with biocuration and/or annotation of biological databases
- Experience with ontologies and controlled vocabularies (e.g. Gene Ontology or PSI-MI)
- Experience using bioinformatics tools or scripting languages (e.g. Python or R)
- Experience in text mining, natural language processing, or AI-assisted literature analysis
- Experience working with large biological datasets, and with analytical/visualisation tools such as Cytoscape
- Experience collaborating in international scientific projects or consortia
Contract length: 3 years, renewable to a maximum of 9 years. Salary: Grade 5 or 6 (depending on qualifications and experience). Monthly salary from £3,452 or £3,861 after tax, plus generous benefits and financial allowances depending on individual circumstances. Excluding 12.99% personal pension and insurance contributions.
Interviews: We plan to hold interviews via Zoom in December 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with further details.
Why join us:
Do something meaningful. At EMBL-EBI you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges. EMBL-EBI, part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, is a worldwide leader in the storage, analysis and dissemination of large biological datasets. We provide the global research community with access to publicly available databases and tools which are crucial for the advancement of healthcare, food security, and biodiversity.
Join a culture of innovation. We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential.
Enjoy lots of benefits:
- Financial incentives: Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
- Flexible working arrangements - including hybrid working patterns
- Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental)
Scientific Data Curator Molecular Networks (AI-Assisted Curation) employer: EMBL-EBI
At the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their fields. As a PhD Bioinformatician, you will have access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to impactful projects that support the global scientific community. Located in the vibrant research hub of Cambridge, you will enjoy a stimulating environment that encourages creativity and knowledge sharing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Data Curator Molecular Networks (AI-Assisted Curation)
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like EMBL-EBI. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like EMBL-EBI!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Data Curator Molecular Networks (AI-Assisted Curation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show EMBL-EBI that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at EMBL-EBI.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that EMBL-EBI does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at EMBL-EBI
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at EMBL-EBI. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into EMBL-EBI's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at EMBL-EBI. This shows your passion for the industry!
