INFORMATICS SPECIALIST
This position is being offered on a 2-year fixed term basis.
About Vernalis
Working within our fully equipped research laboratories in Cambridge, our established group of scientists are world leaders in fragment and structure-based drug discovery. Our scientists develop and apply fragment and structure-based methods to solve problems in drug discovery and have generated cell active lead compounds and development candidates against targets in oncology, neurodegeneration, anti-infectives and inflammation.
The Role
Reporting to our Head of Informatics, you will work very closely with our data connectivity strategy. You will bridge the gap between complex chemical/biological data and the software tools used by our scientists, ensuring that data is accessible, integrated, and scalable. This role is designed for a developer who focuses heavily on API architecture, Object-Relational Mapping (ORM), and database performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Architect and deploy production‑ready RESTful or GraphQL APIs using frameworks like FastAPI, Flask, or Spring Boot to expose scientific data
- Lead the implementation of complex data relations using SQLAlchemy, Django ORM, or JPA/Hibernate, focusing on query optimisation, transaction management, and lazy loading strategies
- Own the evolution of our relational database models, ensuring they effectively support high‑dimensional screening data and complex molecular structures
- Identify and resolve bottlenecks in data retrieval by optimising ORM‑generated SQL, indexing strategies, and caching layers
- Establish and enforce API standards across the team, including comprehensive Swagger/OpenAPI documentation and versioning strategies
- Build custom middleware and API‑driven connectors to integrate third‑party scientific software (e.g., Dotmatics, Revvity Signals, or Titian Mosaic) with internal data stores
- Design and maintain automated pipelines to move data from instruments and LIMS into our centralized data warehouse using API‑centric workflows
Knowledge & Experience
- At least 3 years’ professional experience in a software engineering or informatics role, with a strong focus on backend and API development
- Significant experience with JPA/Hibernate (Java) or SQLAlchemy (Python) for managing complex relational mappings and performance tuning
- Strong mastery of Python (FastAPI, Flask, Django) or Java (Spring ecosystem)
- Deep understanding of PostgreSQL or MySQL, including triggers, execution plan analysis, and normalisation
- Familiarity with the drug discovery process and supporting drug discovery research tools
- Hands‑on experience with Docker, CI/CD pipelines (GitLab/GitHub Actions), and API security (OAuth2, JWT)
- Experience with Celery or Redis for handling long‑running scientific computations via API
- Familiarity with scientific methodology and data generation, and previous experience supporting scientists in a drug‑discovery setting
Skills & Competencies Essential
- Ability to design intuitive, developer‑friendly APIs for internal and external consumption
- Proficiency in translating complex scientific logic into efficient relational schemas that work seamlessly with ORM frameworks
- Ability to take a high‑level data requirement and turn it into a fully functional API specification and implementation
- Strong database development skills e.g. schema design, data warehousing, ETL in a scientific environment
Data Engineering Skills
- Data engineering skills e.g. data cleaning, transforming and uploading to lakehouse or warehouse
Education & Qualifications Essential
- BSc/MSc in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field with at least 3 years of relevant industry experience
Desirable
- Relevant industry certifications
Personal Attributes
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, working collaboratively with others
- Proactive in identifying and troubleshooting potential obstacles and ability to plan ahead
- Meticulous, with excellent analytical and organisational skills
- Adept at dealing with tight deadlines and changing priorities
- Reliable, professional, and conscientious attitude
Why Vernalis?
At Vernalis you will be part of 'One Team' working in a friendly and collaborative open‑plan environment. As well as a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits including generous pension contributions, private healthcare cover, 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, holiday purchase scheme, flexitime, discretionary bonus, employee assistance programme and enhanced family leave policies. Normal working hours for this full‑time position are 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, but alternative working patterns will be considered for the right candidate. Vernalis offers the possibility for the successful applicant to work a hybrid office / home‑based arrangement after an initial 3 months probationary period.
Vernalis Research is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.
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