Scientific Database Curator

The Protein Function Content team manually annotates and writes automated annotation rules for the UniProt protein resource, and the Gene Ontology. We also contribute to value-added interfaces for exploring protein data, for example the Complex Portal.

The UniProt Knowledgebase acts as a central hub of biological and biomedical knowledge by providing a unified view of protein sequences linked to functional information. Reviewed records are expertly curated with information extracted from the literature and curator-evaluated sequence analysis. The Gene Ontology annotation database contains more structured data, describing the function of the protein in a way that increases computational accessibility.

In this role you will:

Read and evaluate experimental literature and transferring selected data to the appropriate entries in protein databases, primarily UniProt and Gene Ontology
The extraction of experimental protein data from the scientific literature and other databases
The analysis and annotation of protein sequences using a range of tools
Interaction with the UniProt and Gene Ontology Development team’s software engineers to work on the improvement of the database(s) contents and services
Outreach to, and training of, our scientific user communities
The curator will work with colleagues in the UniProt and Gene Ontology consortia, other protein databases at the EMBL-EBI (e.g. InterPro, PDBe, IntAct), relevant model organism databases and the biocuration community

This role would suit a someone who has had some lab based experience previously.

You have

Broad knowledge in biochemistry/enzymology and/or molecular biology
Relevant laboratory experience
Experience in using biological databases
Strong communication skills both written and verbal
Able to quickly and accurately interpret scientific data and literature
To qualify for a grade 5 salary we require a minimum of PhD qualification
To qualify for a grade 4 salary we require a primary degree

You might also have

Experience of sequence analysis tools and protein classification is advantageous
An interest in the application of text-mining and/or machine-learning to biocuration

Apply now! Benefits and Contract Information

Financial incentives: depending on circumstances, monthly family/marriage allowance of £260, monthly child allowance of £314 per child. Non resident allowance up to £532 per month. Annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
Hybrid working arrangements
Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to eight bank holidays
Relocation package including installation grant (as applicable)
Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
Family benefits: On-site nursery, child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
Contract duration: This position is a grant based role until May 2026.
Salary: Grade 4 or Grade 5 salary ranging from £2,866 - £3,090. UK Equivalent £44,671 (Total package will be dependant on family circumstances)
International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants.
Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL-EBI, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ and individuals from all nationalities.
Job location: This role is based in Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK. You will be required to relocate if you are based overseas and you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.