Data is transforming life science research. From understanding human health and disease to advancing biodiversity and molecular biology, the ability to find, access, share and reuse high-quality biological data is critical to scientific discovery.
ELIXIR is Europe's life science data infrastructure, bringing together leading scientists, bioinformaticians, software developers and research organisations across more than 20 countries. We enable researchers to discover, access and analyse life science data at scale, supporting world-class science and innovation across Europe and beyond.
We are looking for a Science Officer or Senior Science Officer to join our international team at the ELIXIR Hub in Hinxton, UK. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science, technology and international collaboration.
You will help coordinate and support some of Europe's most important life science data resources, working closely with experts across the ELIXIR network to strengthen the infrastructure that underpins modern biological research.
Whether your background is in bioinformatics, data management, software development, scientific infrastructure or computational biology, this role offers the chance to make a tangible impact on how life science data is managed, shared and reused across Europe.
Your role
As a Science Officer, you'll play a key enabling role across ELIXIR's Platforms, connecting scientific and technical experts, coordinating activities, supporting strategic decision-making and helping ensure successful delivery of major initiatives.
You will:
Support the planning, coordination and delivery of activities across ELIXIR Platforms, including the Data and Compute Platforms.
Help identify, coordinate and report on the Europe-wide network of ELIXIR Core Data Resources and Deposition Databases.
Monitor and evaluate developments in data-centric life science research, infrastructure and emerging technologies.
Prepare reports, publications, briefing materials and project documentation.
Organise and support international meetings, workshops and community events.
Build effective relationships across distributed teams and stakeholder communities throughout Europe.
Contribute to training activities and community engagement initiatives.
Travel across Europe to engage with ELIXIR Nodes, collaborators and stakeholders.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining scientific and technical understanding with coordination, organisation and collaboration. You will be equally comfortable discussing bioinformatics infrastructure with experts and ensuring projects remain on track through effective planning, communication and follow-through.
Senior Science Officer opportunities
Exceptional candidates may be appointed at Senior Science Officer (Grade 6) level.
In addition to the responsibilities above, Senior Science Officers will:
Lead international projects and work packages across the ELIXIR network.
Take ownership of project planning, delivery, tracking and reporting.
Independently identify emerging scientific and technical developments and help drive their adoption within ELIXIR.
Mentor and support colleagues and community members across the organisation.
You have
To be successful in this role you will bring a university degree in the field of life science, computer science, or another scientific, technical or engineering discipline with solid interest in and experience of bioinformatics research. An advanced degree or equivalent experience in one of these fields is a plus.
You should have some postgraduate experience in the practice of data-centric research in the life sciences and two or more of the following skills:
Computer systems including authentication technologies, databases, data management and significant experience working in a Cloud or HPC environment.
Scientific software development, particularly the use of widely used life science software tools and languages, deployment technologies, and workflow definition languages.
Biological data management and use including the development of databases and the sharing & interpretation of complex data sets.
Metadata, ontologies and the use of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) resources to link disparate data sets.
Experience with datasets and analytical problems in molecular biology, biodiversity or human health.
As a Senior Science Officer (Grade 6) you should have several years of practical experience in application of these skills.
The ideal candidate will be adaptable, self-motivated, and with an ability to work in multiskilled multidisciplinary teams and candidates at either grade should have these characteristics:
Ability to set objectives and plan work independently using structured approaches based on agreed outcomes.
Able to meet deadlines and manage priorities in a complex environment with competing demands, while maintaining oversight of multiple parallel activities
Works to a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in documentation, reporting and coordination tasks.
Willingness to occasionally work outside normal European office hours and often travel to ELIXIR Nodes and stakeholder meetings (usually in European countries) as required.
Ability to communicate to a professional level in additional European languages is highly desirable.
Contract length: 3 years, renewable to a maximum of 9 years
Salary: Grade 5 or 6, monthly salary from £3,303 or £3,695 after tax plus generous benefits. Excluding personal pension and insurance contributions.
Do something meaningful
ELIXIR unites Europe’s leading life science organisations in managing and safeguarding the increasing volume of data being generated by publicly funded research. It coordinates, integrates and sustains bioinformatics resources across its member states and enables users in academia and industry to access services that are vital for their research.
Our values
The ELIXIR Hub has a strong organisational culture which is defined by our core values. To ensure a good fit with our team, we look to recruit candidates who share our five values:
1. We work to benefit everyone
2. We are trusted
3. We work with a spirit of openness
4. We strive for excellence
5. We work in an environment of respect
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 to eight bank 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 paid maternity & 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.
What else you need to know
International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions.
Diversity and inclusion: At ELIXIR, 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
12/07/2026