About the team/job
Would you like to play a key role in integrating the data required to build an atlas of human cell types? The single cell revolution in biology has the potential to revolutionise our understanding of the human body at the cellular level, with important implications for medicine. Massive efforts are under way to generate transcriptional profiles of all cell types in the human body, but these efforts require mechanisms to unify data and annotations. The Cell Annotation Platform promises to be a key element in this unification effort.
This is an opportunity to play a central role in developing the ontologies that are key to standardising annotation of this data on the Cell Annotation Platform and beyond, allowing related data from diverse sources to be integrated, and encouraging data reuse by making it findable, accessible.
Your role
Extending the Cell Ontology to extend coverage of human cell types and to add synonyms and references in order to support the Human Cell Atlas Cell Annotation Platform (CAP) and to leverage the work of experts using this platform to improve the Cell Ontology.
You will work with a growing international team working on the Cell Ontology and the Uberon anatomy ontology, supporting the ontology needs of a range of different annotation platforms covering single cell biology, phenomics and medicine. You will regularly interact with the various communities of biologists engaged in annotating human single cell RNAseq data to ensure that the ontology reflects and up-to-date, expert view of relevant biology and terminology.
You have
- A PhD/MD in biology/medicine
- A background in or good understanding of one or more of the following:
- single cell RNAseq data analysis
- human anatomy & physiology (in general or organ-specific)
- mammalian developmental biology;
- immunology
- Excellent communication skills and an ability to work collaboratively across disciplines
- Good logical reasoning skills
You might also have
- Experience in Biocuration, especially if it involves curation with ontology terms.
- Scripting skills: knowledge and experience with Python & Unix/shell would be especially useful.
- Some understanding of/experience with ontology development/editing, especially ontology development using Web Ontology Language (OWL).
Why join us
Do something meaningful
At EMBL-EBI you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind’s greatest challenges. EMBL-EBI, part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, is a worldwide leader in the storage, analysis and dissemination of large biological datasets. We provide the global research community with access to publicly available databases and tools which are crucial for the advancement of healthcare, food security, and biodiversity.
Join a culture of innovation
We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential.
Enjoy lots of benefits:
- Financial incentives: Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme including 17% employer contribution, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
- Flexible 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 (if required
- 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, 10 days of child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
- Benefits for non-UK residents: Visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non-resident allowance.
For more details please see our employee benefits page.
What else you need to know
- Contract duration: This position is a 1-year grant-limited fixed term contract. We need the suitable candidate to be available immediately.
- 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.
- How to apply: To apply, please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.