Full-Time Bioinformatics Developer Ensembl Compara
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced bioinformatician to help expand the Comparative Genomics resources in Ensembl , a world-leading provider of genomics data, infrastructure, and tools.
There are a growing number of global biodiversity initiatives, such as Darwin Tree of Life, the Vertebrate Genomes Project, the European Reference Genome Atlas and the Human pangenome reference graph consortium, providing high-quality reference genomes and pangenomes for eukaryotic species.
Ensembl provides a platform for the annotation and comparison of these genomes, from the single-species pangenome level right up to annotating and modelling the evolutionary relationships across all eukaryotes.
You will join the Ensembl Comparative Genomics team, whose work spans computational biology, software development, large-scale computing, big data, workflow management and automation.
The Comparative Genomics team provides resources to help researchers understand the relationships between species. The team generates data on orthologues, gene trees, large scale syntenies, whole genome alignments and a variety of other analyses. A primary objective is to ensure these analyses remain scalable with the growing influx of high-quality genomes being added each year. As part of the Comparative Genomics team you will work with the Eukaryotic Annotation team and several other teams in the Ensembl project, as well as research consortia and communities from across the globe. On joining the team, you will play a key role in developing software and workflows to compare thousands of genomes, directly contributing to making Ensembl a world leading resource for the comparative analysis of genomic diversity.
Your primary tasks will be to maintain, run and develop our Comparative Genomics pipelines. This will include working closely with collaborators and gaining in-depth knowledge of gene and species tree inference, multiple genome alignment, workflow managers and Python-based technologies.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Maintaining, running, and developing the Ensembl Comparative Genomics pipelines, databases and API
- Assisting the project leader in making technical decisions for the project.
- Helping with the coordination of the Ensembl comparative genomics release process.
- Supporting external users in their use of the comparative genomics pipelines.
- Applying scientific expertise to advance resource development.
- Participation in collaborations between Ensembl and other research groups and scientific consortia and representing the project and the institute at conferences.
You have
- Master/PhD in bioinformatics or molecular biology, bioinformatics, data sciences or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- Strong knowledge of comparative genomics, including whole-genome alignment, gene and species-tree reconstruction, sources of bias/error and associated software and tools.
- Experience in bioinformatics and the management of genomics data.
- Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python)
- Proficiency working in a UNIX/Linux environment, using command-line tools and version control.
- Proficiency with relational databases and SQL
- Hands-on experience with Workflow systems Nextflow/Snakemake, or similar.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
You may also have
- Experience working on high-performance clusters and cloud computing.
- Experience with Singularity/Docker to run containers on a shared compute environment.
- Working within a release cycle for software or data.
- Experience with MongoDB and building GraphQL APIs.
- Experience in driving and leading software projects.
- Working knowledge of machine learning concepts
- Experience working on scientific projects in the field of comparative genome analysis.
Apply now! Benefits and Contract Information
- Financial incentives: depending on circumstances, monthly family/marriage allowance of £278 monthly child allowance of £336 per child. Non resident allowance up to £569 per month. Annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances
- Hybrid 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 (as applicable)
- 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, child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
- Contract duration: This position is a 3 year grant based contract
- Salary: Monthly salary starting at £3,303 or £3,695 after tax but excl. pension & insurances) + benefits (Total package will be dependent on family circumstances)
- 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.