Molecular Evolution Scientist: Phylogenetics & Genomics in Cambridge

We are seeking to recruit a Scientist to join Nick Goldman's research group at the European Bioinformatics Institute located on the Wellcome Genome Campus near Cambridge in the UK. The group researches the evolutionary analysis of DNA and protein sequences, genomic data analysis methods, modelling of molecular evolutionary processes and statistical inference based on these models. We are interested in applications of existing and novel sequence analyses in large‑scale comparative genomics, Next Generation Sequencing and the use of DNA for digital information storage.

What You’ll Do

• You will work with Nick Goldman and other members of the group on developing phylogenetic methodologies and their mathematical underpinnings, and on biological applications.
• You will be expected to participate in research projects already underway in the group and to develop your own projects in related areas.
• You will be expected to present your research at appropriate conferences and meetings.
• In addition to pursuing research, you will take responsibility for various tasks maintaining and developing the efficient operation of the group.
• These may include management or leadership of research projects of your own and the group’s, supervision of other staff (including post‑graduate students and junior visitors), collation of materials for reports and presentations, preparation of grant applications, teaching at training events (including abroad), and liaison with colleagues and collaborators both within and outside of EMBL.

What We Do

EMBL‑EBI is part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and is a world‑leading bioinformatics centre providing biological data to the scientific community with expertise in data storage, analysis and representation. EMBL‑EBI provides freely available data from life science experiments, performs basic research in computational biology and offers an extensive user training programme, supporting researchers in academia and industry. We have close ties with both the University of Cambridge and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.

Qualifications And Experience You Will Have:

• A PhD and substantial research experience and publications in computational biology.
• Experience in mathematical modelling and statistical data analysis.
• Experience in scientific and object‑oriented programming in Python and C++.
• Experience in applying for grants / academic funding.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

You May Also Have:

• A good understanding of and enthusiasm for the questions biologists ask of genome sequence data.
• A background in biology, mathematics/statistics, computer science or other technical disciplines, combined with subsequent cross‑disciplinary experience.
• Past experience and success in the leadership responsibilities described above.
• Programming experience in other languages (e.g. C, Java).
• Experience building research collaborations.

Contract Length: Fixed‑term, project‑based Staff Member contract with a fixed end date of 31/10/2027.

Salary: Grade 6, monthly starting salary at £3,695.61 per month after tax but excluding pension and insurance contributions. Plus, generous benefits.

Next Steps

Please apply with an up‑to‑date CV and cover letter outlining your motivations for applying and your relevant transferable skills and experience. This vacancy is open from Friday, 8th May with a scheduled closing date of Thursday, 21st May 2026 and we invite you to apply as soon as possible. We are committed to open and fair recruitment practices. We would like to be transparent that internal candidates with relevant experience will be prioritized for consideration and assessment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and will ensure a fair and objective selection process.

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.

What else you need to know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions.
• 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: 21/05/2026