The Sequence Families team, run by Rob Finn, is responsible for the delivery of the world leading databases InterPro and Pfam, amongst others. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining web interfaces used internally and externally by the team. The main focus of work will be the development of the latest version of the InterPro website. You will also assist in supporting the development and maintenance of the other team resources. You will interact with the EMBL-EBI web team to ensure compliance with EBI web and design standards, as well as other teams at EMBL-EBI, which either provide data or use the team's resources.
Your role
Apply your skills and knowledge to develop RESTful web applications and reusable interfaces
Design data visualisation components for analysis of complex and large datasets associated with protein families and domains. This will involve developing prototypes and adapting existing components for user evaluation.
Respond to requests and seek feedback from team members and external users to improve user experience.
You are expected to be innovative, both through the extension of existing components, as well as evaluation and integrations of new web technologies as they emerge.
The primary direction for the development of the websites will come form internal sources, primarily the team leader, Rob Finn, and other members of the team. You will be expected to periodically present your work at team meetings. Additional inputs will be sought from InterPro member databases and teams at EMBL-EBI. It will be necessary to interact with these third parties at meetings.
You have
Degree level or equivalent qualification/experience in computational, biological or related scientific discipline
The ideal candidate would have worked within a professional environment for two or more years, contributing on web development projects as part of a development team.
Modern JavaScript programming practices defined in ES2015+.
Writing maintainable code and experienced in unit/integration/functional/acceptance testing.
Setting up and maintaining JavaScript build chains including components such as webpack, babel, eslint and npm.
RESTful APIs, MVC design patterns and Web frameworks e.g. React or Angular.
CSS3, SVG and other web design technologies.
Able to create mockups and quick prototypes to evaluate design alternatives.
Agile development methodologies and version control with Git/GitHub
Unix/Linux proficiency
You will have good team working skills, good communication, both verbal and written and be effective at multitasking and meeting deadlines. You must be able to communicate with biologists and researchers. You will also demonstrate innovation and attention to detail.
You might also have
JavaScript technologies such as Service workers, web components and commonly used libraries.
Proficiency in React/Redux, JSX, Foundation and LoDash.
Test driven development and automated browser testing (e.g. Selenium / puppeteer) experience.
Experience with web-based graphics such as HTML5 canvas, SVG and D3
Production of graphic design assets. e.g. icons, logos.
Proficiency in Python/Perl/Java web servers.
Basic proficiency in SQL databases, ElasticSearch, NoSQL and web security.
Experience with high performance computing and job submission and queuing systems.
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.
What else do I need to know
This position may require the occasional need to travel to attend conferences of meetings of the InterPro consortium members. Only under exceptional circumstances in the event of a web server going down would out of hours working be required. Due to the nature of the position, flexible working arrangements are possible.
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.
Applications will close at 23:00 GMT on the date listed above.