Research Leader in Saffron Walden

Do you want to lead groundbreaking research in computational biology? Join us at EMBL-EBI!

EMBL‑EBI is a global leader in computational biology and bioinformatics. Our research groups develop and apply computational approaches to answer fundamental and applied questions, ranging from studying how the genome has evolved through to how the microbiome affects our health and environment. Research in the Institute builds and expands upon a variety of methods, from strategies for sequence and image analysis through to high‑dimensional statistical models, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Computational methods developed by groups based at EMBL‑EBI are amongst the most widely used by the scientific community, providing the building blocks for future technical advances and scientific discovery.

As well as joining one of the world’s leading computational biology institutes, all of our group leaders are embedded in the multidisciplinary and collaborative environment of EMBL, which provides many opportunities for interaction with other research groups. EMBL’s long‑term scientific direction, Molecules to Ecosystems, aims to advance our understanding of ecosystems at the molecular level, applying expertise in molecular biology to study life in its natural context. Research areas include applying experimental, computational and theoretical approaches to study how cells and organisms interact with each other and respond to fluctuating environments.

Within this programme, the new AI initiative aims to transform research at EMBL. From the development of new AI methods to their application to mine the world’s largest collection of biomedical data, hosted at EMBL‑EBI, to the integration of AI in experimental and observational studies and more generally the scientific process.

You will establish and lead an independent research group to pursue ambitious and innovative research goals. To enable your research, EMBL‑EBI will provide a generous package of core support, including funding for PhD students, bioinformaticians, engineers and postdoctoral researchers. You will also have access to outstanding computational infrastructure including high‑performance clusters and GPU compute, no formal teaching responsibilities, and complete academic freedom.

You should have an original and exciting research plan for your future team, which can encompass both biological discoveries and methodological advances. You have an excellent research record in computational biology and a PhD in a relevant field. Alternatively, you have a track‑record in machine learning and AI, and interest in applying these to biological questions. A strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration is essential, and we want you to demonstrate your motivation to work in the EMBL environment.

Key competencies

• Scientific excellence and vision – you have the potential to develop groundbreaking ideas and contribute to shaping the future of your field.
• Original and innovative thinking – you are curious and intellectually creative to approach important research questions from new and original perspectives.
• Collaborative mindset – you are eager to engage with a diverse community of researchers, willing to step outside of your comfort zone, and open to interdisciplinary exchange.
• Mentoring skills – you are dedicated to nurturing and inspiring people in your team, supported by an inclusive leadership style.
• Leadership potential and management skills – you are ready and committed to grow into a leadership role, including learning how to efficiently manage and inspire a research team, adapting strategic planning, coordination, and creating an environment that fosters inclusiveness.

EMBL typically appoints group leaders early in their career and provides everything you need to support this transition to your first independent position and achieve your research goals.

EMBL‑EBI Research Group Leaders Benefit From

• Core Funding – focus on your research with generous, reliable core funding throughout your time at EMBL.
• World‑class resources – access to world‑leading core facilities and infrastructures in molecular biology and in IT, including on‑site HPC and multiple channels to scale‑out to supercomputing resources.
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary environment – thrive within a network of over 110 independent research groups and service teams across our six sites, covering a broad spectrum of topics in life sciences, including the new AI(EMBL) initiative.
• Creative freedom – enjoy the autonomy and resources to choose your direction of research.
• Well‑connected scientific hub – be part of EMBL‑EBI, embedded in the thriving research environment of the Wellcome Genome Campus with cross‑campus initiatives like Open Targets and many other opportunities for collaboration.
• Networking & visibility – engage with hundreds of world‑leading scientists coming for each of the many international conferences hosted annually at the Wellcome Genome Campus, as well as the EMBL courses and conference programme on campus and in Heidelberg.
• Data – EMBL‑EBI maintains the world’s most comprehensive range of freely available and up‑to‑date biological data resources.
• Global excellence – join a top‑ranked research institute promoting discovery‑driven science in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Further information on Group Leader appointments can be found on the Workday career page.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your research plan with original and ambitious goals for your future team (maximum 4 pages). In your online application, please also upload a cover letter, your CV and the names and contact details of at least three referees. Interviews: Online interviews will be held late April/early May. On‑site interviews will be held in Hinxton, on the 2nd and 3rd July 2026.

Benefits and Contract Information

• Financial incentives – depending on circumstances, monthly family/marriage allowance of £278, monthly child allowance of £336 per child, non‑resident allowance up to £717 per month, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long‑term care, accident‑at‑work and unemployment insurances.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• 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 eight public holidays.