At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement systems for biological image data, enhancing automation and user interaction.
- Company: Join EMBL-EBI, a leader in biological data resources, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive health coverage.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career growth and international opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health and biodiversity through cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in computer science or life sciences; experience in full stack development required.
The predicted salary is between 39636 - 39636 € per year.
The role will work across the technical stack to support scaling and automation of deposition and presentation systems for high volumes of biological image data. You will extend and build on the EMBL-EBI’s imaging resources to enable better automation, integrate with high performance computing and storage resources and develop/implement new functionality.
Primary responsibilities
- Design and implement systems to support rapid deposition, curation and archival of biological image data, including back-end, front-end and supporting infrastructure.
- Develop systems for interactive online exploration of biological image data, working with existing tools, extending these, and developing new solutions as appropriate.
- Act as liaison between the BioImage Archive/EMPIAR and EMBL-EBI's compute/storage infrastructure teams to deploy and manage these systems.
- Coordinate with other service teams on shared development and process implementation.
- Contribute to the broader team activities, including helpdesk support, planning, design review and improvement of the team's software development processes.
You will have
- A university degree in computer science, life sciences or a related discipline and several years' experience in a software development capacity.
- Substantial experience developing full stack applications.
- Extensive hands-on experience with Javascript and Python.
- Experience working with relational databases such as PostGres or MySQL.
- Knowledge of the software development lifecycle, including design, implementation, testing, continuous integration, deployment and version control.
- Experience working with Linux systems.
Personal attributes
- A strong affinity with, and enthusiasm for, the goal of EMBL-EBI to provide world-class open data and services to the global community.
- A strong desire to learn new skills and technologies.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
You might also have
- Experience designing data systems that operate at scale.
- Experience working with BioImaging data from one or more modalities.
- Experience with NoSQL databases, such as MongoDB.
- Experience with batch scheduling systems such as SLURM.
- Experience with containerisation (e.g. Docker) and container orchestration (e.g. Kubernetes).
- Infrastructure-as-code deployment tools such as Ansible or Terraform.
Contract Length: 13-month, project-based, fixed-term contract.
Salary: Grade 5.0 - Monthly salary starting at £3,303 per month after tax but excluding pension and insurance contributions. Plus, generous benefits.
Next steps: This vacancy is open from Friday, 22nd May with a scheduled closing date of Sunday, 14th June 2026 and we welcome your application as soon as possible. Please submit an up-to-date CV and supporting cover letter outlining your motivations for applying and highlighting relevant transferable skills and experiences.
Why join us
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.
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.
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 to 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: 14/06/2026
Research Software Engineer - BioImaging Data Resources employer: European Molecular Biology Laboratory
At EMBL-EBI, we offer a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in a collaborative and innovative environment located on the picturesque Wellcome Genome Campus. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our extensive benefits package, including flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and support for professional development, all while being part of a community dedicated to tackling some of humankind's greatest challenges.
Contact Detail:
European Molecular Biology Laboratory Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Software Engineer - BioImaging Data Resources
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups or webinars, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to bioimaging or software development. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios relevant to the role. Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description and be ready to discuss them confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at EMBL-EBI and contributing to something meaningful.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Software Engineer - BioImaging Data Resources
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your motivations for applying and how your skills align with the role. We want to see your passion for bioimaging and software development, so let that enthusiasm come through!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant experience in full stack development, especially with JavaScript and Python. We’re looking for specific examples of your work that relate to biological image data, so make those stand out!
Show Off Your Team Spirit:We love team players! In your application, mention any collaborative projects you've worked on. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to team success in past roles. It’s all about showing us you can fit into our inclusive culture!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! We review applications on a rolling basis, so the sooner you submit your CV and cover letter through our website, the better your chances. Get your application in early and make a great first impression!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Molecular Biology Laboratory
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re familiar with the full stack technologies mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your JavaScript and Python skills, and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects. This will show that you can hit the ground running!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in software development, especially related to data systems or automation. Think about specific instances where you improved processes or developed new functionalities, as this aligns perfectly with the role's responsibilities.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role involves liaising with different teams, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your excellent communication skills and your ability to work collaboratively, which is crucial for this position.
✨Express Your Passion for Open Data
The company values a strong affinity for providing world-class open data. Be prepared to discuss why this mission resonates with you and how your background in life sciences or computer science aligns with their goals. Showing genuine enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
