About the Team
Would you like to build services used by researchers worldwide to explore genomic data?
Do you want to develop reliable backend systems that support open science at scale?
The Ensembl project at EMBL-EBI is looking for a Software Developer to join our Platform team. Ensembl provides open-access genome data across the tree of life - from humans to crops and pathogens - supporting millions of queries each year from researchers, clinicians, and bioinformaticians.
We’re looking for a backend-focused developer ready to take growing ownership of services and technical improvements while continuing to learn in a supportive environment.
What You’ll Do
You’ll help develop and improve the backend services and infrastructure behind Ensembl’s data resources, working closely with experienced engineers and scientists.
You will:
Develop and maintain backend APIs (eg REST/GraphQL).
Contribute to CI/CD workflows, testing, and deployment.
Design and optimise database interactions (e.g. MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
Support containerised services (Docker/Kubernetes) in cloud or HPC environments.
Investigate and resolve performance or reliability issues.
Improve monitoring, logging, and observability.
Participate in code reviews and shared engineering practices.
Support regular data releases in collaboration with other teams.
As you grow in the role, you will have opportunities to propose technical improvements, lead small initiatives, and shape how parts of the platform evolve.
What We’re Looking For (Requirements)
We value strong foundations, thoughtful engineering, and a willingness to learn.
You should have:
A degree in Computer Science (or related field), or equivalent experience.
Experience developing production software in at least one language (Python preferred).
Experience working with relational or NoSQL databases.
Familiarity with Git-based workflows and collaborative development.
Experience debugging and troubleshooting systems.
Understanding of testing, code review, and CI/CD practices.
Ability to communicate and collaborate across technical and scientific teams.
Good written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate clearly in a collaborative technical environment.
An interest in improving systems, not just maintaining them.
It Would Be Great If You Also Have
While you might not have all of the following skills, having any of them would be an advantage:
Experience with Python frameworks (e.g. FastAPI, Django).
Familiarity with Docker and/or Kubernetes.
Experience in cloud or HPC environments.
Experience writing SQL and/or shell scripts.
Familiarity with Perl (useful within parts of the Ensembl ecosystem).
Experience working with data-intensive systems.
Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools or exposure to integrating AI/model-based components into production systems.
Interest in genomics, bioinformatics, or scientific data platforms.
You Might Enjoy This Role If…
You’re curious about how systems work and how to improve them.
You’re comfortable learning and proposing practical solutions.
You enjoy solving technical challenges collaboratively.
You want your work to support open research and real-world impact.
You’re interested in growing into large-scale data systems or bioinformatics.
Our Working Environment
We are committed to a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive culture.
You’ll work alongside experienced engineers and scientists who actively mentor and share knowledge.
We support flexible working and value work–life balance.
Professional development and continuous learning are encouraged.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. If you meet many - but not all - of the criteria, we encourage you to apply. We strongly believe diverse perspectives strengthen our team and our science.
Your First Six Months
To help you picture how you might grow in this role, here’s what your first months could look like:
Month 1: Contribute code via pull requests, participate in reviews, and become familiar with our architecture and workflows.
Month 3: Take ownership of small features or improvements, contribute ideas, and participate in technical discussions.
Month 6: Independently deliver improvements within part of the platform, share insights with the team, and begin leading focused enhancements.
Progression is supported through mentoring and regular feedback, and timelines may vary depending on experience and interests.
Other helpful information
To apply: Please submit an application with a personalised cover letter and CV, Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Hybrid Working: At EMBL-EBI we are pleased to offer hybrid working options for all our employees. A dedicated desk will be available everyday, however our team work two days on site and three from home.
Interviews: We plan to invite selected candidates to a first round technical assessment, following this selected candidates will be invited to panel interviews.
Contract length: 3 years (grant based)
Salary: Grade 5 or Grade 6 (depending on experience/ qualifications) monthly salary starting at £3,303 - £3,695 after tax but excluding pension and insurance contributions. Plus generous benefits.
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.
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 here.
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
26/03/2026