Spatial Transcriptomics is a rapidly emerging field that combines the "what" of genomics with the "where" of imaging. To support this, the Functional Genomics team is partnering with the BioImage Archive to create a unified resource for this data.
 

You will join a unique, interdisciplinary project bridging these two world-leading teams. We are looking for a talented developer to build the "Spatial Transcriptomics Portal," a greenfield resource that will support scientists worldwide to submit, find, explore, and reuse this complex multi-modal data.

Your role 

The role will work across the full technical stack to architect and build a new platform from the ground up. You will act as the technical bridge between the genomic and imaging domains, designing systems that allow these distinct data types to be harmonised, validated, and visualised together.


Specific Responsibilities:

  • Portal Development: Design and implement the new Spatial Transcriptomics portal, including backend API services, frontend user interfaces, and supporting infrastructure.

  • Search & Discovery: Develop a shared and powerful search interface that allows researchers to discover datasets based on the rich biological metadata facets that accompany these experiments.

  • Data Flow & Validation: Design automated pipelines to validate incoming data against agreed standards (FAIR principles) and route submissions to the correct archival resources.

  • Data Conversion: Support the development of conversion pipelines to transform raw data files into cloud-native formats (e.g., OME-Zarr) optimized for visualization in the portal.

  • Visualisation Integration: Embed and integrate advanced spatial visualisation tools into the portal, ensuring users can seamlessly interact with high-resolution images and gene expression overlays.

  • System Integration: Act as the technical liaison between the BioImage Archive and Functional Genomics, as well as with central EMBL-EBI storage and search infrastructure teams, ensuring that the new portal integrates seamlessly with our existing high-performance systems.

You have 

You should have a university degree in computer science, life sciences, or a related discipline and experience in a software development capacity.


Specific Experience:

  • Substantial experience developing full-stack web applications.

  • Solid experience with Java or Python for backend development.

  • Extensive hands-on experience with JavaScript and modern frontend frameworks (e.g., React).

  • Experience with Containerisation (Docker) and deploying applications to Kubernetes environments.

  • Experience configuring CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI, Jenkins) for automated testing and deployment.

  • Experience working with databases (Relational or NoSQL) and designing data models.

Personal Attributes:

  • A strong affinity with the goal of EMBL-EBI to provide open data to the global scientific community.

  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to bridge the gap between technical and scientific requirements.

  • A self-starter attitude, comfortable working on a greenfield project with evolving requirements.

You may also have

  • Experience designing data systems that operate at scale.

  • Experience working with biological data, particularly BioImaging or Genomics formats.

  • Experience with search infrastructure (e.g., Solr, Elasticsearch).

  • Familiarity with data standards or validation frameworks (e.g., JSON Schema, RO-Crate).


Contract length: 1 year (project based)

Salary: Grade 5 - 6 - monthly salary from £3,303 or 3,695 after tax plus generous benefits (excluding pension and insurance contributions)

Next Steps: This vacancy is open from Thursday, 5th March with a scheduled closing date of Wednesday, 18th March 2026. We invite you to apply as soon as possible.

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

18/03/2026


 

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.