GWAS Catalog Project Leader

The Vertebrate Genomics team are looking for a talented and motivated Project Leader to manage the NHGRI-EBI GWAS Catalog. The GWAS Catalog (www.ebi.ac.uk/gwas) is a high quality repository of all published genome wide association studies and is the leading international GWAS repository. It is considered the “go-to” resource for genetic evidence of associations between human genotypes and diseases or phenotypes. The position represents a fantastic opportunity to work with a talented team of scientific data curators, software developers and bioinformaticians, while applying your expertise in human genetics to a resource with major scientific impact in a world-leading bioinformatics institute.

Your role
Your key responsibilities will be the day-to-day running of the curation team to identify, curate and release GWAS Catalog data. You will also define and prioritise tasks for the team’s software developers and bioinformaticians to develop the Catalog’s infrastructure and scientific content. You will work closely with the GWAS Catalog’s technical project lead to address new developments and priorities which will lead to improvements for the users. You will apply your genetics knowledge, along with an understanding of user’s needs, to develop and define the scientific direction of the Catalog. You will need excellent interpersonal and communication skills, enabling you to effectively communicate your vision to both colleagues and external stakeholders from different disciplines. You will work both independently and as part of a closely interacting team of international scientists. You will also be expected to develop and manage collaborations with internal and external teams.

You will be responsible for preparing scientific reports, publications and presentations. You will also work with the GWAS Catalog’s leadership in developing funding proposals for the Catalog. You will engage with the scientific community, including supporting users of the Catalog through outreach and training courses and through in person presentations and webinars.

You have
A PhD or equivalent in Genetics, Molecular Biology or related field with an in-depth understanding of genetic variation and genomic;
Experience or knowledge of genome wide association studies and scientific data curation;
Experience in managing projects either and experience with formal project management principles;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills enabling you to lead a project where biologists and computer scientists work closely together.

You might also have
Experience working in an agile software development environment.

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 20 member states and 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

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.

Application Closing Date: 
17 January 2020