At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and improve data pipelines for groundbreaking recycling technology.
- Company: Join a venture-backed start-up transforming plastic recycling with AI and biology.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, share options, flexible working, and health insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic start-up culture with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in bioinformatics or computer science; Python and cloud experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 € per year.
Epoch Biodesign is a well-funded, venture-backed start-up using biology to make every type of plastic recyclable - starting with nylon. Using a unique combination of AI, synthetic biology and green chemistry, we are scaling enzymatic recycling in order to transform currently unrecyclable plastics and textiles into new, virgin-quality materials. Our technology yields substantial reductions in carbon emissions with disruptive unit economics, preventing waste from entering landfill or the environment, allowing us to solve this very urgent challenge. With our pilot plant already processing nylon 6,6 waste, we will imminently complete construction on our larger demo facility. This site will produce material destined for use in garments made by some of the world’s biggest fashion, sportswear and luxury brands, and also in components for some of the world’s largest car companies.
The Role: As a Scientific Data Engineer at Epoch you will support and advance Epoch's computational infrastructure by building, maintaining and improving the data pipelines that underpin our R&D activities. Working closely with computational and lab biologists, you will gather requirements, prototype solutions and develop robust, reproducible pipelines - ensuring that data flows reliably from instrument to insight.
Your core activities will include:
- Managing, maintaining and bug-fixing our existing sequence analysis pipeline, with a focus on next-generation sequencing data (Oxford Nanopore experience strongly preferred)
- Managing and extending our analytics data-processing pipeline, including ingesting data from instrument computers into cloud infrastructure and configuring automated triggers for downstream processing
- Taking computational pipelines built at prototype stage by other team members and transitioning them into robust, reproducible, production-ready systems using containerised deployments (Docker)
- Acting as primary contact with lab biologists to understand the nature of their data, their analytical methods and their requirements for processing, access and visualisation
- Training colleagues in the use of developed tools and pipelines
- Liaising with our external IT provider to ensure company devices are properly set up, maintained and secured
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- A degree in bioinformatics, computer science, or a similar numerical field
- Strong technical background in Python and common scientific/data libraries (e.g. NumPy, SciPy, Pandas)
- Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis, with Oxford Nanopore experience strongly preferred
- Demonstrated experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Amazon Web Services (AWS), including cloud-based pipeline orchestration
- Proficiency with Docker and containerised deployment workflows
- Experience with automated testing practices
- Experience with environment and dependency management tools (e.g. Conda, Mamba)
- Proficiency with Git and version control best practices
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrable evidence of working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
Beneficial:
- Previous start-up, scale-up or industry experience
- Experience with additional 'omics data methods (e.g. mass spectrometry, spectrophotometry)
- Database development and SQL experience
- Experience with workflow orchestration tools (e.g. Snakemake, Nextflow)
- An understanding of cleaning and preprocessing data for machine learning, or hands-on ML experience
- An understanding of data security issues
- Previous experience working closely with lab biologists
- Experience in project management
- A working understanding of ClaudeCode or similar
We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time - please apply only if you have the right to work in the UK now and in the future.
Benefits and perks: Epoch Biodesign offers a comprehensive benefits program. At the moment this includes:
- A generous allowance of 30 days paid holiday (plus the usual 8 bank holidays)
- Meaningful EMI Share Options
- A non-contributory pension of 9% employer contribution
- Optional company covered private medical insurance with Vitality
- Group Income Protection
- Group Critical Illness
- Flexible working around the core times of 10am to 4pm
- Cycle to work scheme
- The opportunity to be part of building something remarkable
- On-the-job perks: Complementary fresh fruit, coffee, tea and snacks
- Onsite gym
- Various staff social activities
- And we’re continuously reviewing and enhancing our benefits and work environment.
Scientific Data Engineer in London employer: Epoch Biodesign Limited
Epoch Biodesign is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets sustainability. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including 30 days of paid holiday, meaningful share options, and flexible working arrangements, all while fostering a collaborative culture that encourages creativity and teamwork. Join us in our mission to revolutionise plastic recycling and be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Data Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at Epoch Biodesign.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to data pipelines and bioinformatics. This will give you an edge when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with lab biologists and other team members.
✨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, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Epoch Biodesign team.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Data Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Scientific Data Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Python, next-generation sequencing data, and any relevant cloud platforms like GCP or AWS. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about our mission at Epoch Biodesign and how your background in bioinformatics or computer science makes you a great fit. Let us know what excites you about the role!
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving data pipelines or containerised deployments, make sure to mention them. We love seeing practical examples of your work, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Epoch Biodesign!
How to prepare for a job interview at Epoch Biodesign Limited
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python and the scientific libraries mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your experience with next-generation sequencing data, especially if you have Oxford Nanopore experience. Being able to discuss specific projects or challenges you've faced will show your technical prowess.
✨Understand Their Mission
Epoch Biodesign is all about making plastics recyclable using innovative tech. Familiarise yourself with their mission and how your role as a Scientific Data Engineer fits into that. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals of reducing carbon emissions and preventing waste.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since this role involves working closely with lab biologists, think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated in an interdisciplinary team. Be prepared to share how you’ve gathered requirements and translated them into technical solutions, as well as how you’ve trained others in using tools and pipelines.
✨Show Your Adaptability
The job requires quick learning and adapting to changing requirements. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you had to pivot or adjust your approach based on new information or feedback. This will demonstrate your flexibility and readiness to thrive in a start-up environment.
