Bioinformatician

Ensembl is seeking a computational scientist at the PhD or experienced MSc level to expand its comparative genomics capabilities. The Ensembl platform provides access to over 40,000 genomes served from one of the world's largest computer resources for genomic analysis. We develop open source software which, along with our data, is available to all without restriction. Thousands of scientists worldwide depend on access to these data and software to aid their research and push our understanding of the genome. Genomics is one of the fastest growing areas of science with the ability to deliver advances in human health, food security and in an ageing population. Large-scale sequencing projects are now collecting genome sequences from hundreds of new species, and further orders of magnitude will be reached in the next years through the Vertebrate Genomes Project and other efforts. These data will contribute to improving our knowledge and understanding of the evolutionary history of eukaryotic genes and genomes, and the connection between genome evolution and speciation. In light of these new resources, we are looking for an additional member to expand and develop the comparative genomics databases for Ensembl.

You will be working within the Ensembl team, which is composed of over 70 people including web developers, designers, trainers, engineers, annotators and researchers. Reporting to the Eukaryotic Annotation Team Leader, you will become part of the five-member Ensembl Comparative Genomics group and your primary tasks will be to develop, maintain and execute the analysis of comparative genomics workflows. This will include working closely with collaborators and keeping up-to-date with scientific research in the field, including multiple-sequence aligners, phylogenetic analysis, and efficient storage formats. Ensembl Comparative Genomics is responsible for ensuring that alignments, phylogenetic trees, homology annotations and other comparative resources are made available to the scientific community for each Ensembl release. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Producing whole-genome alignments for eukaryotic species in Ensembl, as well as the derived resources
• Producing phylogenetic trees alignments for eukaryotic species in Ensembl, as well as the derived resources
• Coordinating the addition of those resources in the Ensembl release cycle
• Maintaining and developing the comparative genomics workflows, databases and API
• Ensuring that the team will cope with the high number of upcoming genomes, proposing and implementing innovative infrastructure and algorithmic solutions

The ideal candidate will have a strong computational background and a demonstrable knowledge in comparative genomics based on a PhD degree in molecular biology or bioinformatics or a MSc with appropriate experience.  The job requires at least 2 years programming experience in Python/Perl or other high-level language and a willingness to learn and work to proficiency in object-oriented Perl and shell scripting if the experience is in other languages. The post holder will be expected to have experience in a high-performance computing Unix environment and with relational databases. A high-degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently are required. You will have excellent English communication skills, written and verbal, both to facilitate effective communications with other team members and to communicate with external collaborators and users. You must also have an attention to detail, be capable of delivering to deadlines, be able to delegate and to prioritise tasks.

At EMBL-EBI, we help scientists realise the potential of ‘big data’ in biology by enabling them to exploit complex information to make discoveries that benefit mankind. Working for EMBL-EBI gives you an opportunity to apply your skills and energy for the greater good. As part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), we are a non-profit, intergovernmental organisation funded by 22 member states and two associate member states. We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus near Cambridge in the UK, and our 600 staff are engineers, technicians, scientists and other professionals from all over the world.

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme and health insurance, educational and other family related benefits where applicable, as well as financial support for relocation and installation. For more information about pay and benefits click here

We have an informal culture, international working environment and excellent professional development opportunities but one of the really amazing things about us is the concentration of technical and scientific expertise – something you probably won’t find anywhere else.

If you’ve ever visited the campus you’ll have experienced first-hand our friendly, collegial and supportive atmosphere, set in the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. Our staff also enjoy excellent sports facilities including a gym, a free shuttle bus, an on-site nursery, cafés and restaurant and a library.

To view a copy of the full job description please click here To apply please submit a covering letter and CV through our online system.

Applications are welcome from all nationalities - visa information will be discussed in more depth with applicants selected for interview.

EMBL-EBI is committed to achieving gender balance and strongly encourages applications from women, who are currently under-represented at all levels. Appointment will be based on merit alone. The initial contract is for a period of three years with the possibility of a fixed-term extension.

Applications will close at 23:00 British time on the date listed above.