EMBL
Software Engineer – Data Discovery
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Software Engineer for EBI Search Project
We are looking for a dynamic Software Engineer to join the EBI Search project [PMID: 40322924], a scalable text search engine providing easy and uniform access to the biological data resources hosted at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI).
EBI Search provides the central discovery infrastructure indexing more than 6 billion data objects across EMBL-EBI and external resources. It enables search and cross-linking across more than 100 biological data domains via web interfaces and RESTful APIs. You will join a team of software developers working together to support scientific research and FAIR data access across multiple disciplines.
Your role
In this exciting role you will contribute to:
- Integration and indexing of biological data and metadata, and provision of these through user-friendly web interfaces and web services for the international research community;
- Development of new features within an established and evolving codebase;
- Integration of the search platform with emerging AI technologies to enhance data discovery and improve user experience;
- Development of lightweight and efficient approaches for integrating data from multiple domains;
- Collaboration with colleagues across EMBL-EBI, applying industry-standard best practices to create and maintain efficient, reusable and well-documented software.
You have
- A degree in Computer Science or a related field;
- A minimum of two years’ experience in software development;
- Good knowledge of Java;
- Experience with JavaScript and/or TypeScript;
- Experience with scripting languages such as Python and Bash;
- Good communication skills;
- Familiarity with modern software development practices and tools, including version control systems, CI/CD pipelines and automated testing.
You may also have
- Experience in biomolecular or biomedical data and metadata integration;
- Working knowledge of Solr, Lucene or Lucene-based search technologies;
- Knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes or other deployment technologies;
- Knowledge of additional data storage technologies, including relational databases, graph databases and NoSQL systems;
- Familiarity with Linux/Unix environments;
- Experience with collaborative development tools such as Jira and Confluence;
- Experience with machine learning approaches, ideally in the context of data discovery.
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Contract length
3 years (Project Limited Contract)
Salary
Grade 5 or Grade 6 depending on experience. Monthly salary from £3,452.05 or £3,861.91 after tax plus generous benefits. Excluding personal pension and insurance contributions.
Next steps
This vacancy has a scheduled closing date of 11th August, and we welcome your application as soon as possible.
Please submit an up-to-date CV and supporting cover letter outlining your transferable skills and experience and motivation for applying.
We will review applications on a rolling basis and so encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we identify a suitable candidate sooner, we may close this vacancy earlier than the published closing date.
Hybrid Working
At EMBL-EBI we are pleased to offer hybrid working options for all our employees. A dedicated desk will be available every day, but most of our team work two days on site and three from home. At present the 'team days' on-site are Mondays and Tuesdays.
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.
Watch this video to see how EMBL-EBI makes an impact.
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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 - including hybrid working patterns
- 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 public 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 detailed information please visit our employee benefits page.
What else you need to know
- International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Please take a look at our International Applicants page for further information.
- EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.
- Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.
How to apply
To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
Closing Date
11/08/2026
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