Lead/Architect

After receiving funding from the UK government to cover an 18 month project, we are assembling a team to pilot our prototype software providing DNA-based diagnostics and global surveillance information for tuberculosis (“Mykrobe Atlas”). We will trial it in Buenos Aires with collaborators at the Malbran Institute, with an intention of scaling it up as a global service in the future.

The new EMBL-EBI team (4 new members: architect/server-side API, dev ops, bioinformatic/analytics back-end, data curator) will work with two existing team members who built the current version, and a secondee from Buenos Aires. At the other end, in Buenos Aires, another developer will use the service “in the field”, working with the local expert group to use the information for patients.
The EMBL-EBI team will work alongside the Iqbal research group, comprising 8 researchers (backgrounds in biology, computer science, and maths) from across the world.

The goal is to deliver a working system (with minimal features) to the customer (secondee mentioned above, onsite in same office) within 2 months of project start. This will be followed by multiple iterative loops of improving user-interface, analytics and performance, with direct customer feedback, both locally (EMBL-EBI) and then in Buenos Aires.

Your role
This role involves hands-on working as part of the implementation team, as well as co-leading the team (2 direct reports). The postholder will be responsible for the back-end architecture for analysis, similarity and pipeline services in our setting, including scaling, data security and integration.

This involves developing and maintaining server-side APIs communicating between the client side front-end (Javascript/electron) and asynchronous back-end jobs, all running on a Kubernetes cluster. Managing and monitoring performance of the code in the production environment to support the pilot is a key responsibility.

You have
Experience of development of clean server-side APIs; at least one that has gone through development cycles
Experience of supporting an API in a production environment
Experience of scaling, security and integration for a live application
Javascript
Agile development experience

You might also have
Python
Familiarity with dev ops (Kubernetes)

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.