Vernalis
Informatics Specialist - 2 year Fixed Term Contract
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InfORMATICS SPECIALIST 2-year fixed-term position
About Vernalis
Based in Cambridge, our team of scientist leaders excels in fragment and structure-based drug discovery. We apply cutting-edge methods to solve challenges in:
- Oncology
- Neurodegeneration
- Drug-resistant infections
- Inflammation
Our experts generate cell-active leads and development candidates, advancing real-world medical innovations.
The Role
As an Informatics Specialist, you’ll report to the Head of Informatics and bridge the gap between:
- Complex scientific data (chemical, biological)
- Software tools used by researchers
This role demands a backend developer and API specialist with deep expertise in: ✅ RESTful/GraphQL API architecture ✅ ORM (SQLAlchemy, Django ORM, JPA/Hibernate) ✅ Database performance tuning
Key Responsibilities
API Development & Integration
- Design and deploy production-ready APIs (FastAPI, Flask, Spring Boot) exposing scientific datasets
- Lead data connectivity within the Fragment Screening Suite, including third-party software (Dotmatics, Revvity Signals, Titian Mosaic)
- Implement swagger/OpenAPI for API documentation and versioning policies
Databaseaci & Scaling
- Optimise relational schemas for high-dimensional screening data and molecular structures
- Analyze and resolve data retrieval bottlenecks (query optimisation, indexing, caching)
- Own the evolution of the central data warehouse, ensuring scalability and performance
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Automation & Workflows
- Build custom middleware to streamline workflows from LIMS to warehouse
- Develop ETL pipelines for data ingestion (e.g., Docker + CI/CD pipelines)
- Eliminate manual data handoffs with entity-aware automated processing pipelines
Troubleshooting & Culture
- Proactively identify technical and data challenges in colleague workflows
- Advise researchers on data accessibility and best practices
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- 3+ years in software engineering or bioinformatics, focused on backend/API development
- Expertise with ORM framework(s) and SQL optimisation:
- Python: SQLAlchemy (Python)
- Java: JPA/Hibernate
- Deep knowledge of:
- Backend frameworks: FastAPI, Flask, Spring Boot
- Databases: PostgreSQL or MySQL (triggers, execution plans, normalization)
- Docker, CI/CD (GitLab/GitHub Actions)
- API Security: OAuth2, JWT
- Familiarity with scientific software and the drug discovery process (e.g., fragment screening)
Desirable
- Hands-on experience with Celery/ Redis for managing long-running computations via APIs
- Prior work in a drug-discovery environment
- Certifications in: bioinformatics, cloud platforms, or data architecture
Skills & Competencies
Essential
- Architect intuitive, scalable APIs (developer and client-ready)
- Translate scientific data requirements into performant ORM schemas
- Break down complex data projects into functional API specs
- Expertise in data warehousing (schema design, ETL)
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Education & Qualifications
Essential
- Undergraduate/Master’s in:
- Computer Science,
- Bioinformatics,
- Biomedical/Molecular Informatics
- Biochemistry/Structural Biology + 3+ years relevant industry experience
Desirable
- Industry certifications (e.g., cloud engineering, Oracle databases)
Personal Attributes
- Team player with strong collaborative skills
- Proactive and analytical
- Thrives in a fast-paced, scientific environment
- Meticulous organiser with deadline sensitivity
Why Vernalis?
✔ ‘One Team’ culture: Open-plan, flexible working (hybrid after probation period) ✔ Competitive benefits:
- £26 days leave + bank holidays
- Generous benefits bundle: private healthcare, family leave, pension contributions
- Flexible work hours (alternative patterns welcome)
- Customer Research Allowance to engage users directly
✔ Diversity commitment: A truly inclusive workspace supporting merit-based success.
Application Instructions
- Submit a cover letter outlining your motivation and fit for the role.
- Mandatory: Right to work in the UK for the full 2-year contract period.
🔗 Contact the team today to join our collaborative ‘One Team’.
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