Software Developer

The Applications team are looking for a talented software developer to join them to create innovative web applications and RESTful APIs as part of the Ensembl project at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), situated in South Cambridgeshire.

Your role

In this role, you will have the opportunity to design, build and deliver software that will be used by people around the world. The software you create will help to improve the research that is carried out and improve the understanding of genomics.

The software you write will typically be web applications which provide users with bespoke interfaces. These applications will also present RESTful APIs to the public to enable them to interact with the services we provide programmatically.

You will be expected to be able to work independently, with other members of the team and with other teams at EMBL-EBI in a collaborative environment.

Although this is not a research role, EMBL-EBI is a research organisation and this is reflected in its culture. Within the team you will be able to help evolve best practices and have input into broader discussions.

You have

MSc in Computer Science (or related field), equivalent qualifications or experience.
Previous experience of working as a software developer in a collaborative environment
Experience of using Git
Good working knowledge of 2 or more languages, including python
Practical experience of RDBMSs (including either Mysql of Postgres)
Familiarity and experience of methodologies such Scrum, XP and ‘Agile’
A genuine curiosity about science
Experience of RESTful API design, development and utilisation
A desire to write quality, maintainable code as part of a team

You might also have

Qualifications or experience of biology, biochemistry, genomics or bioinformatics (beneficial, but not essential)
Experience of containerisation and cloud infrastructure
Experience of using Ansible
Experience of mentoring other developers

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.