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.

Were 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 Youll Do

Youll help develop and improve the backend services and infrastructure behind Ensembls 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 Were 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

• Youre curious about how systems work and how to improve them.
• Youre comfortable learning and proposing practical solutions.
• You enjoy solving technical challenges collaboratively.
• You want your work to support open research and real-world impact.
• Youre interested in growing into large-scale data systems or bioinformatics.

Our Working Environment

We are committed to a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive culture.

• Youll work alongside experienced engineers and scientists who actively mentor and share knowledge.
• We support flexible working and value worklife 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, heres 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.

Apply now! Benefits and Contract Information

• Financial incentives: depending on circumstances, monthly family/marriage allowance of £278 monthly child allowance of £336 per child. Non resident allowance up to £569per month. Annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances

• Hybrid working arrangements

• 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 (as applicable)

• 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, child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances

• Contract duration: This position is a 3 year grant based contract

• Salary: Monthly salary starting at£3,303 - £3,695after tax but excl. pension & insurances) + benefits (Total package will be dependent on family circumstances)

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants.

• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL-EBI, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ and individuals from all nationalities.

• Job location: This role is based in Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK. You will be required to relocate if you are based overseas and you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.

To apply, please submit a covering letter and CV via our online system. Applications will close on 26/03/2026.