At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop software systems for biological metadata, ensuring high-quality data submission and retrieval.
- Company: Join the European Bioinformatics Institute, a leader in life-science research.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in bioinformatics while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of full-stack development experience, strong Java/Spring skills, and modern frontend frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 44200 - 44200 € per year.
About the Team
We are seeking a Full Stack Software Developer to join the BioSamples team at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI). BioSamples is a core biological metadata repository that stores, validates, and serves sample metadata for life‑science research. It underpins major public archives such as ENA, ArrayExpress, and Human Cell Atlas, enabling FAIR data submissions at scale.
Role Overview
As a Senior Full‑Stack Software Developer you will design, develop, maintain, and evolve software systems that support BioSamples data submission, validation, and retrieval services. Your work will span backend services, APIs, large‑scale metadata processing pipelines, and user‑facing web applications, ensuring high‑quality metadata can be submitted and explored by researchers worldwide.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain backend services and RESTful APIs using Java (preferably 17+) and Spring.
- Develop frontend applications with Angular, React, or similar modern frameworks.
- Architect distributed, scalable, and reliable systems handling millions of biological sample records.
- Participate in system architecture discussions and long‑term platform evolution.
- Collaborate closely with developers, bioinformaticians, data curators, product owners, and external data infrastructures.
Qualifications
- University degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of hands‑on full‑stack software development.
- Strong Java/Spring programming experience.
- Experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs and backend services.
- Experience developing frontend applications using Angular, React or similar.
- Experience with relational and/or NoSQL databases such as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Elasticsearch.
- Experience building performant, reliable, and scalable services capable of handling high‑volume metadata submissions.
- Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, Unix/Linux environments, Git, and command‑line tools.
- Experience using AI‑assisted development tools and modern software engineering workflows.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and English language skills.
Preferred Skills
- Authentication and authorisation technologies such as OAuth 2.0 or OpenID Connect.
- JSON schema validation or metadata‑driven system design.
- Monitoring and observability tools such as Grafana, Kibana.
- CI/CD pipelines (e.g. GitLab CI).
- Event‑driven architectures or messaging systems such as Kafka or RabbitMQ.
- Knowledge of FAIR data principles and open scientific data standards.
- Experience with large scientific datasets or bioinformatics resources.
- Contribution to open‑source or international scientific infrastructure projects.
Contract & Salary
- Contract Length: 18‑month fixed‑term, project‑based staff member contract.
- Salary: Grade 6.0 – Monthly salary starting at £3,695 per month (after tax, excluding pension and insurance contributions) plus benefits.
Benefits
- Annual salary review, pension scheme, insurance coverage.
- Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options.
- Private medical insurance and dental coverage for employee and immediate family.
- 30 days annual leave plus public holidays.
- Relocation package and installation grant (if required).
- On‑site facilities including shuttle bus, library, gym, cafeteria and social club activities.
EEO Statement
EMBL-EBI is a signatory of DORA and welcomes applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and diverse backgrounds. EMBL is committed to a diverse, inclusive and innovative workplace.
Full Stack Software Developer employer: European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) is an exceptional employer for a Full Stack Software Developer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the life sciences. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and generous annual leave, EMBL-EBI provides a supportive atmosphere where your contributions directly impact global research initiatives. Located in a vibrant community, you will have access to on-site facilities and a culture that values diversity and inclusivity.
Contact Detail:
European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Full Stack Software Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at EMBL-EBI on LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Java, Spring, and modern front-end frameworks. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate what you can bring to the BioSamples team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of RESTful APIs and scalable systems. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in the past – they love real-world examples!
✨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 serious about joining the EMBL-EBI family.
We think you need these skills to ace Full Stack Software Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Full Stack Software Developer role. Highlight your experience with Java, Spring, and any frontend frameworks like Angular or React. We want to see how your skills match 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 bioinformatics and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Projects:If you've worked on projects that involve RESTful APIs, metadata processing, or any relevant technologies, make sure to mention them. We’re keen to see real examples of your work and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Java, Spring, and modern frontend frameworks like Angular or React. Brush up on your knowledge of RESTful APIs and databases like PostgreSQL or MongoDB, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role. Highlight your experience with scalable systems and any contributions to open-source projects. This not only demonstrates your skills but also shows your passion for software development.
✨Understand the Bioinformatics Context
Familiarise yourself with the basics of bioinformatics and the importance of metadata in life-science research. Being able to speak knowledgeably about how your work can impact researchers and data submission processes will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team’s current projects, challenges they face, and their long-term goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
