Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate and annotate biomacromolecular structure data for global databases.
- Company: Join EMBL-EBI, a leader in biological data analysis and dissemination.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and comprehensive health insurance.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on science and collaborate in an innovative environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in structural biology with 2+ years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: International applicants welcome; flexible working arrangements available.
Your role
We are looking to recruit an expert structural biologist with an experimental background to join the EMDB as a biocurator within the EMBL-EBI OneDep data curation team.
High-quality curation of new data depositions is essential for EMDB and PDB to remain the authoritative global sources of biomacromolecular structure information. The work involves annotating preliminary EMDB and PDB submissions and extracting relevant biological information. EBI staff annotate more than a third of all PDB and EMDB depositions worldwide. The work will also involve improving the OneDep deposition system through contributing domain knowledge and analyses for the benefit of automation requirement setting and process development. The data curators also participate in developing training material and delivery of workshops and in outreach activities.
You have (essential)
- A relevant PhD with hands‑on experience in the determination of protein structures using 3DEM methods, and broad knowledge of structure determination workflows.
- Demonstrable working knowledge of macromolecular structure, and ideally a broad knowledge in molecular biology or biochemistry.
- Ability to work both independently and as a team member within the EMDB team and broader wwPDB OneDep teams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as excellent knowledge of English as communication with depositors is an essential part of the job.
- Capable of succinct communication.
- Up to date on the 3DEM field and its developments.
You may also have some of (Desirable)
- Knowledge of computer scripting or Python programming.
- Knowledge of building and implementing coding solutions.
- Knowledge of transforming user requirements into manageable project goals.
- Knowledge of managing projects using industry standard software (e.g. Jira).
- Knowledge of software version control (e.g. git).
- Knowledge of data engineering and data models.
Behaviours We Look For In Our Team
- Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
- Ability to demonstrate initiative in identifying and solving problems.
- Proactive and able to interchangeably work independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to knowledge share and contribute 3DEM subject matter expertise across the wwPDB.
- Ability to self‑manage and appropriately prioritise a busy workload.
- Supportive and helpful to colleagues and a contributor to a helpful & positive environment.
Other helpful information
Hybrid Working: At EMBL-EBI we are pleased to offer hybrid working options for all our employees. You would be required to work 2 days from the office in Hinxton (Currently this is Tuesday’s & Thursday’s), with the ability to join ad‑hoc in‑person events as required.
Contract length: 3 years (Grant based)
Salary: Grade 5 – monthly salary from £3,303 after tax but excluding pension contributions and health insurance. Plus generous benefits.
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 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.
- 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
14/04/2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Scientific Database Curator 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 Scientific Database Curator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in structural biology and macromolecular structure. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field and the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of EMBL-EBI. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your communication skills, especially in English. Since the role involves interaction with depositors, being able to convey complex information clearly and effectively is crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have experience with Python programming or computer scripting, be prepared to discuss specific projects or tasks where you've applied these skills. This could set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Database Curator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Scientific Database Curator role. Highlight your PhD and relevant experience in structural biology, as well as your ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your hands-on experience in determining protein structures and any post-doctoral research. Include specific examples of how you've contributed to similar projects or teams.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is essential for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your interpersonal skills and experience in delivering workshops or training materials.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your cover letter and CV for any errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role focused on high-quality data curation.
How to prepare for a job interview at European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a Scientific Database Curator, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of structural biology. Be prepared to discuss your PhD research and any hands-on experience you have with protein structure determination. Highlight specific projects or challenges you've faced in the field.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are essential for this role, especially since you'll be interacting with depositors. Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms, as you may need to convey information to individuals with varying levels of expertise.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
Since the role involves enriching PDBe tools and services, it would be beneficial to familiarise yourself with any relevant software or databases used in structural biology. If you have experience with computer scripting or Python programming, be ready to discuss how you've applied these skills in your previous work.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration
The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is key. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked in a team setting, particularly in high-pressure situations. Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and support your colleagues.