Training Specialist – AlphaFold Database (AFDB) in Cambridge

The AlphaFold Database (AFDB) is a key resource developed by Google DeepMind and EMBL-EBI, empowering researchers to harness the power of AI-predicted protein structures. It is located within the Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe) team, which develops and maintains structural biology databases used by researchers worldwide.

We are seeking a Training Specialist to lead engagement, knowledge-sharing, and outreach, and to develop a training strategy that ensures equitable, global access to resources for leveraging the rich data available in AFDB and PDBe resources.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver modular, reusable training content on structural biology, structural bioinformatics, AlphaFold and AFDB that can be adapted for various audiences with diverse scientific backgrounds, ensuring efficient use of resources and maximum impact.
• Collaborate with the EBI Training team and external partners to create a comprehensive training ecosystem, producing documentation, guides, FAQs, and self-guided learning modules.
• Prioritise training needs and opportunities, ensuring training efforts are aligned with AFDB's strategic objectives and maximise their effectiveness across global research communities.
• Create workshops and reach out to the academic community.
• Organise and deliver user-focused workshops, webinars, and training sessions to educate diverse groups on using AFDB tools and visualisations, with an emphasis on global reach and content reusability.
• Co-create with learning institutions a flexible and extensible workshop suitable for undergraduate and master’s level students.
• Partner with external organisations to expand training opportunities and ensure alignment with user needs, particularly in LMIC regions.
• Gather and analyse participant feedback to iteratively refine training materials and delivery methods, ensuring continuous improvement and to ensure impact.
• Engage with the broader bioinformatics and structural biology communities, promoting best practices and sharing AFDB-related expertise.
• Conduct internal training sessions for EMBL-EBI team members, ensuring they are well-versed in the tools and resources they help maintain.
• Track training outcomes and metrics, providing regular reports on effectiveness and areas for growth.
• Provide ongoing user support by responding to helpdesk tickets, assisting users with navigating AFDB tools and features.
• Identify common user challenges and knowledge gaps, creating targeted training materials and sessions to address frequent queries.
• Build relationships with the structural biology and broader bioinformatics communities, focusing on LMIC regions to drive engagement and increase participation in AFDB's resources.
• Represent AFDB at national and international conferences and workshops, gathering feedback and promoting AFDB's impact on global scientific discovery.

Requirements

• A strong academic background in structural biology or related discipline (PhD level or equivalent).
• A passion for empowering others through education and training, with a strong commitment to fostering learning and professional development in scientific and technical fields.
• Proven experience in creating and delivering impactful training content, workshops, and webinars, ensuring that complex concepts are accessible to diverse audiences.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and mentor individuals, translating complex scientific topics into clear, understandable material.
• Experience in collaborative environments, working with both internal teams and external stakeholders to design and deliver educational content.
• Outstanding organisational skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and priorities while ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Confident and approachable, capable of leading discussions, facilitating learning, and building rapport with various audiences.
• Expertise in bioinformatics, structural biology, and/or protein structure prediction, with the ability to simplify and teach advanced scientific material.

Desirable

• Experience working with global research communities or developing training for LMIC researchers.
• Familiarity with AFDB tools or similar bioinformatics resources.
• Experience working with or developing bioinformatics or structural biology tools, contributing to a practical understanding of how to use and teach complex software or databases.
• Experience in contributing to undergrad courses and lectures.

Other helpful information

• Hybrid Working: At EMBL-EBI we are pleased to offer hybrid working options for all our employees.
• Contract length: Grant based until September 2028.
• Salary: Grade 5 monthly salary starting at £3,303 per month after tax but excluding pension and insurance contributions. Plus generous benefits.

Why join us

• At EMBL-EBI you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges.
• Join a culture of innovation located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations.
• Enjoy Lots Of Benefits including financial incentives, flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, generous time off, and campus life amenities.

What else you need to know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions.
• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes.
• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence.
• 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.

Closing Date: 16/02/2026