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- Tasks: Develop and maintain tools for genomic data analysis and visualisation.
- Company: Join EMBL-EBI, a leader in bioinformatics and genome data services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Contribute to impactful open-source projects in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in Python and experience with large-scale genomics data required.
- Other info: Contract length is 3 years with opportunities for international applicants.
Join to apply for the Bioinformatics Developer role at European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
Join to apply for the Bioinformatics Developer role at European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
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About The Team And Role
The Ensembl Project based at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) develops free, comprehensive genome data services for a worldwide audience, distributing gene and genome data through an online genome browser and publicly accessible databases and APIs. We are seeking a highly motivated, talented, and experienced Bioinformatics Developer to contribute to Ensembl\’s variation and phenotype resources.
In the Ensembl Variation team, we build workflows for the aggregation and annotation of large-scale data from public archives. We develop tools for data access, visualisation, and variant interpretation, including the widely-used Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor (Ensembl VEP) tool. Improvements in sequencing technology and the development of novel techniques are generating new data types and datasets which are increasing in size and complexity. These data need efficient management and intuitive presentation to reach their full scientific potential, improving our understanding of genetic disease, evolution, and population genetics. We collaborate with clinical research scientists, genomics researchers, and standards-setting communities to help guide development of our services.
Your role
This position offers a motivated candidate an exciting opportunity to contribute to highly-used open-source bioinformatics resources and to develop domain knowledge in a fast-moving scientific area. You will work closely with a team of bioinformaticians and developers and interact with other groups at the EMBL-EBI and beyond.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Developing and maintaining tools for the functional annotation and prioritisation of genomics variants, including Ensembl VEP.
- Developing, maintaining, and running efficient methods for management of and access to large-scale variation data for community use and to power the Ensembl website.
- Investigating and integrating new sources of genomic variation, phenotype association data, and prediction tools.
- Collaborating with members of the wider Ensembl team on specific development projects and to coordinate regular data and software releases.
- Liaising with other groups at EMBL-EBI and external collaborators to add new functionalities to our tools and agree on community standards for data representation.
- Supporting our users and presenting our work at internal meetings and scientific conferences.
You have
- Experience in the design and development of user-friendly software, with high proficiency in Python.
- Experience of managing and analysing large-scale genomics data, preferably genetic variation data.
- Experience working with large-scale relational databases, preferably MySQL.
- Experience collaborating on projects, working with colleagues from different disciplines, and using version control platforms like GitHub.
- 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.
- Scientific curiosity and initiative.
- A PhD or equivalent experience in genetics, biological or computational sciences
You may also have
- Familiarity with 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 designing and developing REST or GraphQL APIs.
- Experience with a range of bioinformatics or statistical tools and data formats.
- Familiarity with another programming language.
Other Helpful Information
Contract length: 3 years (project based)
Salary: Grade 5 – 6 monthly salary from £3,229 – £3,612 plus financial allowances based on personal circumstances. Excluding pension and insurance contributions.
Interviews: We plan to hold interviews remotely to invited candidates end of August 2025.
Hybrid Working: At EMBL-EBI we are pleased to offer hybrid working options for all our employees. A dedicated desk will be available everyday, but most of our team choose to work two days on site and three from home.
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. Watch this video to see how EMBL-EBI makes an impact.
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.
For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page here.
What else you need to know
- International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Please take a look at our International Applicants page for further information.
- EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.
- Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ & individuals from all nationalities.
- How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
Closing Date
10/08/2025
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
-
Industries
Software Development
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Bioinformatics Developer employer: European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
Contact Detail:
European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bioinformatics Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Ensembl resources, especially the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor (VEP). Understanding how these tools work and their applications will give you a significant edge during discussions with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the bioinformatics community by attending relevant conferences or webinars. Networking with professionals in the field can provide insights into current trends and challenges, which you can discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Python skills and ensure you're comfortable with managing large-scale genomic data. Consider working on personal projects or contributing to open-source bioinformatics tools to showcase your abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with version control systems like GitHub. Being able to articulate your collaborative projects and how you've used these tools effectively will demonstrate your readiness for teamwork in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Bioinformatics Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in bioinformatics, software development, and any specific tools or languages mentioned in the job description, such as Python and MySQL.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the Ensembl Project. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your skills in managing large-scale genomic data and your ability to collaborate with diverse teams.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills related to bioinformatics, including any experience with REST or GraphQL APIs, version control systems like GitHub, and familiarity with UNIX/Linux environments.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Emphasise any previous collaborative projects you've worked on, especially those involving cross-disciplinary teams. This will show your ability to work effectively within the Ensembl team and with external collaborators.
How to prepare for a job interview at European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your proficiency in Python and experience with large-scale genomics data during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills, especially if they relate to functional annotation or variant prioritisation.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Experience
Since the role involves working closely with bioinformaticians and developers, share examples of past collaborations. Discuss how you’ve worked with colleagues from different disciplines and how you’ve contributed to team projects, particularly in a version control environment like GitHub.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ensembl Resources
Research the Ensembl project and its tools, especially the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor (VEP). Understanding their functionalities and recent developments will show your genuine interest in the role and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, particularly in managing and analysing large datasets. Think of scenarios where you had to troubleshoot issues or optimise workflows, and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.
