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- Tasks: Join our team to develop tools for genomic data analysis and visualisation.
- Company: Be part of EMBL-EBI, a leader in bioinformatics and genome data services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Contract length is 3 years with opportunities for international applicants.
- Why this job: Contribute to impactful projects that advance healthcare and biodiversity.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in Python and experience with large-scale genomics data required.
The Ensembl Genebuild team at EMBL-EBI develops high-throughput, high-quality genome annotation pipelines that underpin our mission to provide comprehensive, open-access genomic data resources. Our work spans the eukaryotic tree of life, contributing to global biodiversity initiatives. These ambitious efforts aim to sequence, assemble, and annotate genomes from tens of thousands of species, generating foundational data for conservation, evolution, and functional biology.
To support this, we are building a new, modular genome annotation system optimised for scalability, reproducibility, and long-term sustainability. This work will enable the annotation of highly diverse species from invertebrates and protists to plants and vertebrates, each bringing unique biological challenges and opportunities.
Your role
We are looking for a skilled, motivated bioinformatic developer to join our team and help develop the next generation of Ensembl genome annotation tools and infrastructure. In this role, you will:
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Design and implement scalable genome annotation workflows tailored for large-scale biodiversity projects.
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Develop robust, reproducible pipelines using workflow managers such as Nextflow.
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Modernise and re-engineer legacy tools into modular, maintainable components using current best practices.
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Integrate data from transcriptomics, proteomics, and comparative genomics to improve annotation quality across diverse taxa.
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Collaborate with international partners to standardise approaches and ensure interoperability across global efforts.
You have
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Proficiency in Python and other relevant languages for bioinformatics tool development.
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Experience developing or maintaining bioinformatics pipelines using workflow management systems like Nextflow or Snakemake.
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Solid understanding of algorithm development and performance optimisation for large-scale data.
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Working knowledge of eukaryotic genome annotation, transcriptome analysis, or comparative genomics.
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Strong working knowledge of Linux command-line environments, version control (e.g., Git), and software testing for robust, reproducible workflows.
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Experience in high-performance computing and workflow optimisation, including cloud computing, cluster computing, or GPU-based acceleration.
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Excellent communication skills with a problem-solving mindset and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
You may also have
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Experience working on non-model or taxonomically diverse genomes.
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Familiarity with data models for gene annotation or genome feature representation.
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Knowledge of long-read transcriptomics (Iso-Seq, Nanopore).
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Contributions to open-source software projects or community genome resources.
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Experience mentoring or training others in bioinformatics methods, workflows, or best coding practices.
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Hand-on experience with containers particularly Docker and Singularity
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Experience in working with large relational databases
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Experience working with GenAI or LLM applications
Contract length:
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: 2 years (Project based contract)
Salary: Grade 5 – monthly salary from £3,303 after tax but excluding pension contributions and health insurance. Plus generous benefits.
Interviews:
Shortlisted and invited candidates will be contacted via email for introductory calls from mid May 2026.
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:
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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
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Flexible working arrangements – including hybrid working patterns
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Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
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Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition public holidays
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Relocation package including installation grant (if required)
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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)
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Family benefits: On-site nursery, 10 days of child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
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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
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International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Please take a look at our International Applicants page for further information.
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EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.
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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.
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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
12/05/2026
Bioinformatics Developer employer: European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Contact Detail:
European Molecular Biology Laboratory 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 this tool works and its applications will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨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 coding 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 highlight your teamwork skills, which are crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Bioinformatics Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Bioinformatics Developer position. Highlight your experience with Python, large-scale genomics data, and any relevant projects you've worked on that align with the Ensembl Variation team's goals.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your experience in managing and analysing genetic variation data. Include specific examples of tools or methods you've developed or used, particularly those related to bioinformatics or data visualisation.
Highlight Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves collaboration with various teams, mention any past experiences where you worked with interdisciplinary teams. This could include projects where you liaised with scientists or contributed to community standards.
Demonstrate Scientific Curiosity: In both your cover letter and CV, express your scientific curiosity and initiative. Mention any personal projects, research interests, or continuous learning efforts that showcase your passion for genetics and bioinformatics.
How to prepare for a job interview at European Molecular Biology Laboratory
✨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 variant analysis or database management.
✨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 using version control platforms like GitHub.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ensembl Resources
Before the interview, take some time to explore Ensembl resources, especially the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor (VEP). Understanding its functionalities and recent updates will show your genuine interest in the role and the team’s work.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of insightful questions to ask about the position and the team. Inquire about ongoing projects, the tools they use for data management, or how they integrate new genomic data sources. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.