Bioinformatician

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic Bioinformatician to join the Data Coordination and Archiving Team, contributing to the EarlyClause project.

The Data Coordination team provides support to our broad user base in the use of our data resources and services as well as data coordination and other bioinformatics support services for partners around the world for a portfolio of projects.

The EarlyCause project is a multidisciplinary research collaboration to investigate integrative causative mechanisms and models linking Early-Life-Stress (ELS) to Psycho-Cardio-Metabolic Multi-Morbidity.

This position is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, working on a project with major scientific impact in a world-leading bioinformatics institute.

Your role
You will work alongside the team’s Biocurators, Bioinformaticians and Software Engineers to provide innovative data services from the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) to support our user communities in two areas:
Helpdesk support which centres upon submission and validation services for data handled by the Data Coordination and Archiving team, including those submitted to the ENA. Main responsibilities will be the delivery of expert advice on data submission requirements and protocols, data validation and processing and integration the submitted data with assembly, project, sample and other high-level information to users of our web and programmatic interfaces.

You will contribute to the EarlyClause project, working towards the integration of data services, experimental standards and best practices to support next-generation research on ELS and multi-morbidity. You will provide data coordination services for this project, including the establishment and maintenance of a Data Management Plan compliant with FAIR principles, as well developing standards and conventions to ensure maximum data discoverability and interoperability. A key part of this project is the development of a web portal to provide tools, services and content and the you will liaise with software engineers and project stakeholders to ensure delivery of this.

Your work will be carried out in close communication with our international base of submitters and project partners. You will be required to take an active part in the development and delivery of ENA and data coordination services, attending and presenting at internal and international meetings.

You have
A university degree in the life sciences and either a post-graduate degree or a PhD in bioinformatics, data science or a biological science.
Broad knowledge of molecular biology and next-generation sequencing technologies
Experience of working in a data coordination role
Relational database management systems and SQL query language
UNIX command line operations
Knowledge of XML format and schema

You will be expected to:
have excellent oral and written communication skills
be highly organised and able to meet deadlines
be able to demonstrate a high level of attention to detail
work both independently and as part of a team
be capable of planning and delivering projects

You might also have
Experience of working in a multidisciplinary research collaboration
Experience of analysing, resolving and responding to helpdesk user queries
Programming in Perl, Python or other scripting language

Why join us
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 over 27 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 please visit our website.

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.

Application Instructions: 

To view a copy of the full job description please visit our website: https://www.embl.de/jobs/searchjobs/index.php?ref=EBI01552&newlang=1&pos...

To apply please submit a covering letter and CV through our online system.

Applications are welcome from all nationalities and this will continue after Brexit. For more information please see our website. 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.

This position is limited to the project duration specified.

Application Closing Date: 
2 December 2019