About the team/job
We want a talented project leader to develop and manage the Ensembl website, next generation website and associated portal sites. Our web infrastructure is under active redevelopment and offers an exciting opportunity for you to be at the forefront of its development and eventual release.
Our new infrastructure is based around modern web development practices and technologies with extensive use of React, Python, Rust and GraphQL alongside a design led development strategy. This is being developed alongside our existing infrastructure, which uses a MySQL/Perl/JavaScript development stack.
The Ensembl project provides access to annotated genomes, genetic variation data, regulation data and comparative genomics from across the tree of life. We are central to efforts around improving human health, understanding species biodiversity, helping to ensure food security and tackling climate change all using genomic data. We collaborate with world class consortium and other EMBL groups to address these challenges.
You will lead the Ensembl web front end team, which works alongside our back end, design and UX teams to deliver our interfaces. We are an international group and always welcome new starters with extensive support to develop your skills.
If this role sounds like one you would enjoy we cannot wait to read your application.
Your role
Your role will involve:
- Staff supervision and staff development
- Project and grant deliverable management and reporting
- Employing and leading an agile management process
- Coordinating the development of novel web interfaces for working with genomic data
- Contributing to data releases
- Developing operating procedures, specifications, and priorities for future work including continual improvement processes
- Managing our existing web infrastructure
You will also work closely with other Ensembl teams, contribute to preparation of reports for funding agencies and for internal EMBL reports. This post would suit a person with an interest in web development or a person with existing management experience. If you join us, you will find a supportive and diverse environment, outstanding local expertise and a robust infrastructure forming the basis of services whose development you will oversee.
You have
As an applicant for this role you will:
- Hold a BSc. or higher degree in computer science/bioinformatics/biological sciences/related field or equivalent professional experience.
- Have experience delivering production quality software on a regular release cycle to meet project/stakeholder needs
- Familiar with Linux, relational database management systems and modern web development methods
- Have worked in a collaborative software development environment and have used Git, GitHub (or similar) and issue trackers
You might also have
It would be advantageous to have experience of:
- Experience of managing teams and complex projects
- Experience of agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban
- Familiarity with the types of data we handle in Ensembl (including but not limited to genome assemblies and annotation) and awareness of the common challenges of working with these data
- Familiarity with the Ensembl project or knowledge of other leading biomolecular archives and resources
- Experience of any technologies we use in our current and new infrastructure
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, 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 3 year contract, renewable to a maximum of 9 years.
- 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.