Web Developer
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).com
Office
Hinxton, United Kingdom
Full Time
About The Team
Do you want to develop the tools and resources researchers from around the world will use to interrogate genomic data? Would you like to be part of a team developing novel data visualisations? EMBL-EBI and the Ensembl project are looking for a Web Developer to help develop and deliver our next generation resources (beta.ensembl.org). The Ensembl project provides open-access, high-quality genome data for a wide range of species. We offer intuitive tools to explore genes, variants, epigenomes and comparative genomics with ease. Join Ensembl and turn genomic data into discoveries that transform science worldwide.
Duties & Responsibilities
In This Role You Will:
As a developer in the Ensembl Web Team you will work with technologies such as Typescript, React, and Rust to create solutions based on designs generated by our inhouse Design and UX team. You will work closely with other teams in the Ensembl project who coordinate data and deployments to deliver complex integrated solutions. Our projects take complex multidimensional data sets and provide visualisations helping scientists interpret and contextualise their own research.
Technical Contributions
- Developing web based solutions which meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders
- Consistently producing quality, tested and maintainable code
Operational Excellence
- Adhering to coding standards
- Incident Response: Provide second- and third-level support for technical issues, conducting root cause analyses and readiness reviews when necessary.
Collaboration And Communication
- Writing and maintaining documentation and SOPS
- Attending agile events, and organisational meetings
- Support the operation of Ensembl sites by taking part in the scheduled point of contact rota.
Leadership And Influence
- Suggesting, planning and implementing process improvements in agreement with line manager
Continuous Improvement
- Working with the web team and web project leader to improve the development process
Typically within six months, members of the Ensembl project will:
- Month 1: submit codebase PRs, review PRs, attend team meetings
- Month 3: understand key components of our architecture, have a deeper understanding of at least one system in our service portfolio, contribute to our continuous improvement cycles, contribute to our regular data release cycles
- Month 6: make significant contributions to key projects, present to our wider team, contribute to systems architecture
You Have (Requirements)
- BSC (or higher) in Computer Science (or a related field), equivalent qualifications or experience
- Experience of developing professional web applications
- Experience of modern software development tools (source control, linting, containerisation, CI/CD, automated testing, and package management)
- Experience of WASM ideally with Rust
- Experience of web graphic frameworks and packages (Canvas, SVG, WebGL, D3.js, three.js)
- Good working knowledge of HTML, CSS, Javascript/Typescript
- Experience of React or similar web frameworks
- Experience with collaborative development tools such as GitHub, Jira and Confluence
- Excellent spoken and written English (C1 minimum)
- A desire to build positive productive relationships
- This role will be a great fit for you if you
Linux Experience
- Experience of WASM ideally with Rust
- Experience of web graphic frameworks and packages (Canvas, SVG, WebGL, D3.js, three.js)
- Good working knowledge of HTML, CSS, Javascript/Typescript
- Experience of React or similar web frameworks
- Experience with collaborative development tools such as GitHub, Jira and Confluence
- Excellent spoken and written English (C1 minimum)
- A desire to build positive productive relationships
- This role will be a great fit for you if you
- Want to make a positive impact on genomic research
- Enjoy the challenges and opportunities of working with large data sets and data volumes
- Like problem solving and the freedom to complete tasks with minimal direction
- Are collaborative and enjoy working across teams
This won’t be the right role for you if you
- Prioritise completion over progression
- Find adapting to changes of strategic direction challenging
- You prefer to be given detailed specifications rather than be part of their generation
You might also have (Desirable)
- Experience of developing using agile methodologies
- Experience of working in genomics
- Experience with data visualisation
- Experience of working with large datasets
- Experience of working with web API technologies (RESTful, GraphQL, gPRC)
- Good working knowledge Python
- Practical experience of RDBMSs and NoSQL solutions (including Mysql, and MongoDB)
Experience With Perl
- A desire to improve the development process
- A genuine curiosity about science
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, our team work two days on site, our team day is Wednesday 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 an introductory calls with the team with final interviews planned for February 2026.
Contract length: 3 years (grant based)
Salary: Grade 5 monthly salary starting at £3,303 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 & Inclusion: At EMBL-EBI, 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.