At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful projects and connect global partners in life sciences research.
- Company: Join the Global Biodata Coalition at EMBL-EBI, a leader in life sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive health coverage.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse, innovative community with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global biodata infrastructure and life sciences.
- Qualifications: Experience in life sciences, project management, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Help shape the future of global biodata infrastructure. Join the Global Biodata Coalition (GBC) Secretariat at EMBL-EBI as a Global Biodata Infrastructure Project Officer, where you’ll bring together international partners, lead impactful projects and help strengthen the sustainability of the biodata infrastructure underpinning life sciences research worldwide.
You’ll play a central role in growing and connecting GBC’s community of 52 Global Core Biodata Resources (GCBRs), coordinating the GCBR Forum and working closely with resource leaders, funders, scientific experts and policymakers. You’ll have the opportunity to shape new initiatives, build influential partnerships and contribute to projects tackling some of the key challenges facing global biodata infrastructure.
What you’ll do:
- Deliver future GCBR selection rounds, managing applications, coordinating international reviewers and overseeing the online application process.
- Coordinate the GCBR Forum, working with its Chairs to shape agendas, prepare papers and capture key decisions and actions.
- Bring people together around shared challenges, coordinating working groups to deliver focused, time-limited projects, including defining key elements of sustainability.
- Connect the global biodata community, organising workshops and webinars that bring funders, biodata resources and other stakeholders together to explore funding and sustainability challenges.
- Turn ideas into action, working with GCBRs to develop and evaluate pilot projects that test new approaches to sustainability.
- Help map and strengthen the global biodata ecosystem, building engagement with biodata resources around the world and bringing their perspectives into GBC’s work.
- Influence decision-making, producing clear reports, briefings and papers for the GBC Board, senior leaders and advisory groups.
- Play an active role in GBC governance and external engagement, contributing to Board, advisory group and stakeholder meetings.
- Help tell the GBC story, contributing to communications across the website, reports, papers and other outputs.
- Support the delivery of an ambitious global programme, taking on additional projects and activities that help advance the GBC’s strategic priorities.
The Global Biodata Infrastructure Project Officer reports to the GBC Programme Manager and will work closely with the GBC’s Scientific Head and other Secretariat colleagues, delivering key projects, and taking forward other pieces of work to ensure the successful delivery of GBC’s programme.
You will have:
- Experience in academia or the life sciences in a research, funding or policy role.
- Experience working with organisations across geographies and demonstrated sensitivity to cultural differences.
- Strong team working skills, including demonstrable experience of managing and contributing to successful project teams.
- A proactive, open and professional attitude, with the ability to build relationships with people at all levels.
- Very strong English verbal, written and presentation skills.
- An established track record in project management, with a minimum of 3-years’ experience of managing and delivering a diverse range of projects in a professional setting.
- Highly self-motivated with the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver work independently.
- A passion for science and technology policy and open data.
- Strong organisational, time management and priority-setting skills.
- The ability to work independently and as a member of a hybrid, geographically-distributed team.
- Able to communicate with impact and listen actively, respecting the views of others so they feel valued and heard.
You may also have:
- A higher degree in the life or biomedical sciences.
Salary: Grade 5 or Grade 6, depending on qualifications and depth of experience. Monthly salary from £3,452.05 for Grade 5 or £3,861.91 for Grade 6, after tax but excluding personal pension and insurance contributions; plus, generous benefits.
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.
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 & optical cover).
- Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition public holidays.
- Relocation package including installation grant (if required).
- 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, 10 days of child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances.
- Benefits for non-UK residents: Visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non-resident allowance.
International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.
Closing Date 11/08/2026
GBC Global Biodata Infrastructure Project Officer employer: EMBL
ELIXIR is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, ideal for those passionate about advancing life sciences. Located near the vibrant city of Cambridge, UK, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that encourages professional growth and impactful contributions to scientific research. With a commitment to uniting diverse stakeholders and driving meaningful change, ELIXIR offers unique opportunities to shape the future of data infrastructure in Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land GBC Global Biodata Infrastructure Project Officer
✨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. 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!
We think you need these skills to ace GBC Global Biodata Infrastructure Project Officer
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 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.
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 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
✨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. 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'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. This shows your passion for the industry!