Content Co-ordinator

We are looking for a Content Coordinator to join the Sequence Families team at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) on the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus near Cambridge in the UK. This team is responsible for a diverse range of resources, including InterPro, Pfam and the MGnify metagenomics resource, unified by the use of personalistic models for functional and taxonomic assertions.

InterPro is a database that classifies protein sequences into families and predicts the presence of functionally important domains and sites. Its content is derived from 13 different specialist international member databases. The MGnify resource utilizes InterPro to provide functional annotation of metagenomics data.

The Content Coordinator will be responsible for all aspects of content for these two interlinked resources. They will manage the performance of the database curation team, setting priorities and ensuring quality, as well as contributing to regular appraisals of individuals. They will also provide guidance to the team’s bioinformaticians, overseeing taxonomic and functional analysis of metagenomic data sets, and identifying new technologies, methods and resources to extend and improve analyses. They will liaise with groups within EMBL-EBI, ensuring timely data flow and implementation of community standards, as well as external groups, including member databases and industrial collaborators. The Content Coordinator will be responsible for organizing training workshops (both face-to-face and eLearning) and play a key role in preparing grant applications and in scientific paper writing.

They will report to the team leader Robert Finn, and will be responsible for deputizing for the team lead as the need arises.
Your role

Responsible for the curation team, including setting priorities and deadlines to ensure data is delivered in a timely manner
Oversight of the MGnify production pipeline, including appraisal of new components to enhance or extend functionality
Line management and appraisal of team members
Liaison with internal and external groups to manage data exchange and collaborative projects
Organising and contributing to training workshops, both internally and externally
Preparation of grant applications and in scientific paper writing

You have
Applicants should be qualified to at least PhD level in a biological discipline.

The applicant should have over 7 years worth of experience in database content and/or biocuration. They should also have previous experience leading a small team or project and have an understanding of the field of protein function classification. Past work experience must either include work in a laboratory leading to publications in scientific journals and/or as a bioinformatician in a biological database environment.

Skills:

Familiarity with programming languages such as Perl or Python, an understanding of (relational) databases and UNIX, and experience using bioinformatics software.
Understanding of statistical analysis and use of software such as R.
Experience in developing and delivering training courses
Detailed knowledge in the field of protein families and their application to metagenomics
Experience/knowledge of text mining tools that can be used for biocuration

This position provides a critical management layer between the team and the team leader. As such, they need to have exceptional interpersonal skills, be able to motivate others and have ability to time manage effectively.
Excellent presentation skills, ability to work under pressure, balance priorities and meet tight deadlines. Excellent written and oral English.
You might also have

Prior experience in writing scientific funding grants and managing scientific budgets
Expert knowledge and experience dealing with metagenomics data
Understanding of the technical aspects of running production pipelines
Use of software version control systems, such as Git
Proven experience of developing online training resources

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 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.