Job Description
We are looking to appoint a highly motivated bioinformatician to join the VectorBase team at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), located on the Wellcome Trust Campus near Cambridge in the UK.
Vector Base is an NIH funded Bioinformatics Resource Center focused on invertebrate vectors of human pathogens such as mosquitoes, ticks and lice. VectorBase provides genomic and epidemiological data resources to the international research community, and works with a wide variety of scientists from different disciplines to help generate, interpret, integrate and disseminate genome-scale data sets. Our dedicated team of bioinformaticians and software developers are distributed across three sites in the USA and the UK, and collaborate to produce scalable infrastructure for genome analysis. We are now seeking to appoint someone with specific responsibilities as follows:
- Integration of relevant data (including gene annotation, transcriptome, variation, and comparative genomics data) into regular public releases
- Development and deployment of efficient software pipelines for data import and quality control, aimed at novel data types (e.g. host-pathogen interaction data) and data resources
- Annotation of new genome assemblies, benchmarking of new software tools, and collaboration with external scientific researchers interested in preparing data for release via VectorBase
- Collaboration with other VectorBase member teams in the UK and USA, relevant groups across EMBL-EBI (Ensembl), and external collaborators
- Interaction with the user community, including training, support for community annotation, and identification of new requirements
- Representation of VectorBase at conferences and workshops.
At EMBL-EBI, we help scientists exploit complex information to make discoveries that benefit mankind. As part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), we are a non-profit, intergovernmental organisation funded by 23 member states and two associate member states and proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. Working for EMBL-EBI gives you an opportunity to apply your skills and energy in a fast moving, international environment. 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.
For further information please visit www.ebi.ac.uk.
Qualifications and Experience
You will hold a degree in computer science or bioinformatics, or a degree in biological sciences and a post-graduate qualification in computer science or bioinformatics. Experience working in genomics, insect biology, epidemiology, or bioinformatics is highly desirable, but not essential.
A minimum of two years professional programming experience or research experience with next generation sequencing data is needed. Experience of working in a dynamic, team-based environment and contributing to a shared code-base is desirable.
You must be highly self-motivated, and be able to work independently and manage your time effectively. You must also be open to working in a production team (willing to conform and contribute to standard working practices); and are expected to have good communication skills, written and verbal, both to facilitate effective communications with other team members and to communicate with external collaborators and users.
The successful candidate will have good knowledge of Perl, though experience in other scripting languages (e.g. Python, JavaScript) or compiled languages (e.g. Java) will also be taken into consideration. Knowledge of relational database management systems (e.g. MySQL), writing SQL statements and designing database schemas is essential. Experience of using Ensembl, indexing systems (e.g.Solr), handling large data sets, workflow management systems for distributed computing (e.g. LSF, SGE), NoSQL database technologies, and of the use of biological ontologies for data annotation, are all desirable.
Benefits
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.
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.
Application Instructions
To apply please submit a covering letter and CV, with two referees, through our online system.
Additional Information
Applications are welcome from all nationalities - 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.
The initial contract is for a period of 1.5 years with the possibility of a fixed-term extension.
Applications will close at 23:00 GMT on the date listed above.