About the Team

The AlphaFold Database (AFDB) is a key resource developed by Google DeepMind and EMBL-EBI, empowering researchers to harness the power of AI-predicted protein structures. It is located within the Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe) team, which develops and maintains structural biology databases used by researchers worldwide.

We are seeking a Training Specialist to lead engagement, knowledge-sharing, and outreach, and to develop a training strategy that ensures equitable, global access to resources for leveraging the rich data available in AFDB and PDBe resources. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

In this role you will:

 Develop and Deliver Training Content 

• Develop and deliver modular, reusable training content on structural biology, structural bioinformatics, AIphaFold and AFDB that can be adapted for various audiences with diverse scientific backgrounds, ensuring efficient use of resources and maximum impact.

• Collaborate with the EBI Training team and external partners to create a comprehensive training ecosystem, producing documentation, guides, FAQs, and self-guided learning modules.

• Prioritise training needs and opportunities, ensuring training efforts are aligned with AFDB’s strategic objectives and maximise their effectiveness across global research communities.
   

Create workshops and reach out to the academic community 

• Organise and deliver user-focused workshops, webinars, and training sessions to educate diverse groups on using AFDB tools and visualisations, with an emphasis on global reach and content reusability.

• Co-create with learning institutions a flexible and extensible workshop suitable for undergraduate and master’s level students

• Partner with external organisations to expand training opportunities and ensure alignment with user needs, particularly in LMIC regions.

• Gather and analyse participant feedback to iteratively refine training materials and delivery methods, ensuring continuous improvement and to ensure impact.
   

Lead Community Engagement and Knowledge Sharing

• Engage with the broader bioinformatics and structural biology communities, promoting best practices and sharing AFDB-related expertise.

• Conduct internal training sessions for EMBL-EBI team members, ensuring they are well-versed in the tools and resources they help maintain.

• Track training outcomes and metrics, providing regular reports on effectiveness and areas for growth.
   

Helpdesk Engagement and Support

• Provide ongoing user support by responding to helpdesk tickets, assisting users with navigating AFDB tools and features.

• Identify common user challenges and knowledge gaps, creating targeted training materials and sessions to address frequent queries.
   

Scientific Outreach and Strategic Engagement

• Build relationships with the structural biology and broader bioinformatics communities, focusing on LMIC regions to drive engagement and increase participation in AFDB’s resources.

• Represent AFDB at national and international conferences and workshops, gathering feedback and promoting AFDB’s impact on global scientific discovery.
   

You have (Requirements) 

• A strong academic background in structural biology or related discipline  (PhD level or equivalent)

• A passion for empowering others through education and training, with a strong commitment to fostering learning and professional development in scientific and technical fields.

• Proven experience in creating and delivering impactful training content, workshops, and webinars, ensuring that complex concepts are accessible to diverse audiences.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and mentor individuals, translating complex scientific topics into clear, understandable material.

• Experience in collaborative environments, working with both internal teams and external stakeholders to design and deliver educational content.

• Outstanding organisational skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and priorities while ensuring high-quality outcomes.

• Confident and approachable, capable of leading discussions, facilitating learning, and building rapport with various audiences.

• Expertise in bioinformatics, structural biology, and/or protein structure prediction, with the ability to simplify and teach advanced scientific material.

You might also have (Desirable)

• Experience working with global research communities or developing training for LMIC researchers.

• Familiarity with AFDB tools or similar bioinformatics resources.

• Experience working with or developing bioinformatics or structural biology tools, contributing to a practical understanding of how to use and teach complex software or databases.

• Experience in contributing to undergrad courses and lectures

Other helpful information 

Hybrid Working: At EMBL-EBI we are pleased to offer hybrid working options for all our employees. A dedicated desk will be available everyday, but our team work two days on site and three from home.  

Contract length: Grant based until September 2028.

Salary: Grade 5 monthly salary starting at £3,303 per month 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