Database Engineer in Saffron Walden

Overview

The Database team at EMBL-EBI provides day-to-day database administration support, performance tuning and query optimisation for the production, development and test database environments used by our end users (bioinformatics, technical and research teams). The central database environment is deployed on Linux-based in-house IT infrastructure with virtualization and multi-terabyte databases across geographically distributed data centres.

This role joins an established team of database administrators and engineers responsible for EMBL-EBI’s ongoing database operations. The main technologies are MongoDB and MySQL, with opportunities to expand expertise.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialised MongoDB and MySQL support for EMBL-EBI scientific applications.
• Address end-user service requests and incidents across all supported database technologies (PostgreSQL, Oracle, Delphix, MySQL, MongoDB, Microsoft SQL Server).
• Triage new tickets, review monitoring/alerting dashboards, resolve tickets where possible, and escalate when required.
• Participate in a rotation system to cover service requests and incidents;escalate issues as needed.
• Manage end-user service requests and incidents, review existing solutions, and propose migrations or improvements.

In This Role You Will

• Work on tasks of varying complexity under guidance from technical leads and the line manager; progress to more complex tasks and larger-scale backend improvements.
• Engage in customer-facing activities and contribute to documentation and knowledge sharing.

A Typical Day Involves

• Check the health of current deployments, raise concerns, and respond to issues reported by end users.
• Attend daily stand-up to communicate activities, projects, issues and blockers.
• Monitor the support ticketing system, adapt priorities for emergencies, and update or create documentation as required.

Requirements

• A degree in Computer Science (or equivalent) or demonstrable experience and learning ability.
• At least 5 years of experience in a Database Administrator role with similar responsibilities.
• Proficiency in MongoDB and MySQL.
• Experience with one or more of PostgreSQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Delphix.
• Solid hands-on skills with SQL, Python, and shell scripting.
• Automation mindset; Infrastructure as code experience (preferably Puppet, or Terraform/Ansible).
• Strong organisation, attention to detail and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Desirable

• Cloud computing knowledge; Containerisation knowledge.
• Key-value stores experience (Redis/ValKey).
• Experience with IT Service Management (ITSM).
• Understanding of project framework concepts.

Behaviours

You enjoy working independently and as part of a collaborative, international team. You can meet more of the team here.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage your own time and balance multiple tasks.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Willingness to learn, develop, and adapt in a fast-moving environment.

Apply now! Benefits and Contract Information

• Financial incentives: dependant on circumstances, including family/marriage allowance, child allowance, non-resident allowance. Annual salary review, pension scheme, and insurances.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (prescriptions, dental and optical cover).
• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays.
• Relocation package and installation grant (as applicable).
• Campus facilities: free shuttle, on-site library, subsidised gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, and on-campus or remote social activities.
• Family benefits: on-site nursery, child sick leave, parental leave, and related allowances.
• Contract duration: initial 3-year contract, renewable up to 9 years.
• Salary: starting at £3,303 per month after tax + benefits; total package dependent on family circumstances.
• International applicants: visa exemptions available; see our page for international applicants.
• Diversity and inclusion: EMBL-EBI supports inclusive and diverse teams; applications from women, LGBTQ+ and individuals of all nationalities are encouraged.
• Job location: Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK. Relocation support available for overseas candidates.