Job Description
Are you a motivated software developer who wants to work with biological data? We are looking for an enthusiastic Full Stack Java Developer to join the Proteomics Team at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI). The team is responsible of the maintenance and further development of the popular PRIDE (PRoteomics IDEntifications) database and related resources and tools such as PRIDE Cluster and the ProteomeXchange submission tool. PRIDE is a world-leading international proteomics database, a founding member of ProteomeXchange Consortium, that is capturing large-scale mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics data from the scientific community, and currently managing hundreds of TBs of data. In addition, we are a major contributor to international standardisation efforts under the umbrella of the Proteomics Standards Initiative. As the post holder you will contribute to the maintenance and development of different core database applications and web services, web and stand-alone applications that are part of the PRIDE ecosystem. In addition, you will contribute to the development of a unified submission interface for all relevant EMBL-EBI resources. Responsibilities include:
- Designing and developing interfaces for different proteomics resources (e.g. PRIDE Archive, ProteomeXchange and PRIDE Cluster).
- Acting as main contributor in the Proteomics Team to build a unified submission interface for all relevant EMBL-EBI resources.
- Supporting the optimization of web application components for maximum speed and scalability when working with “big data”.
- Collaborating with other developers in the team to redesign/re-implement backend components for more responsive UI interfaces and a better user experience across our resources.
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 23 member states and two associate member states and proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. 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.
Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate should have a degree in computer science and be able to demonstrate a minimum of 3 years’ experience in software development, ideally in a life science environment. Experience in bioinformatics would be desirable. Experience in mass spectrometry proteomics would be a major advantage. You will work in a highly international, team-oriented environment and collaborate closely with external partners and other team at EMBL-EBI. Excellent communication skills are essential. The ability to work independently, under time pressure, and the dedication to communicate openly are necessary skills. Technical Skills:
- Proficient programmer in Java.
- Proficient understanding of REST APIs and knowledge of how to interface with them.
- Proficient understanding of indexing and database technologies and how to interact with them (e.g. SolR, Lucene, Elasticsearch, MongoDB, Neo4J).
- Good understanding of asynchronous request handling, and partial results updates on Restful web services.
- Good understanding of the Spring Framework (Spring Batch, Spring Boot).
- Good understanding of technologies such as JSON, XML, NoSQL and relational databases.
- Good understanding of code versioning tools, such as Git.
- Experience with other backend languages such as Python or Scala would be advantageous.
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 three years with the possibility of a fixed-term extension.
Applications will close at 23:00 GMT on the date listed above.