Join to apply for the Software Developer role at European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI.
About the Role
European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Software Developer to join the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA). The EGA is a world‑leading resource for secure archiving and sharing of all types of potentially identifiable human genetic and phenotypic data derived from biomedical research projects. Its mission is to enable data access, reuse, and reproducibility to accelerate biomedical and translational research, in line with FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
As a Software Developer on the EGA team, you will design, implement, and maintain applications and APIs that support ingestion, management, and distribution of controlled‑access human genetic and phenotypic data. A key focus will be the development of a new submissions and metadata API, which supports data submission, validation, and integration with other resources. You will also work on data ingestion, permanent archiving of human studies, secure file distribution via APIs and Globus, and system integration with external teams through RabbitMQ message brokers. Your responsibilities will include improving deployment pipelines with GitLab CI/CD and Kubernetes, and collaborating closely with operations to ensure service reliability and scalability.
Responsibilities
* Design, implement and maintain applications and APIs for controlled‑access genetic and phenotypic data.
* Develop a new submissions and metadata API for data submission, validation and integration.
* Participate in the full software development lifecycle with a focus on quality, performance and security.
* Contribute to the design of new applications and improvement of existing ones.
* Enhance deployment pipelines and orchestration using GitLab CI/CD and Kubernetes.
* Collaborate closely with operations, academic and industry partners, and international standards groups such as the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health.
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
* Minimum 4 years of professional experience in Java, including hands‑on experience with Spring Boot.
* Experience with relational databases, preferably PostgreSQL.
* Experience working in Agile software development teams across multiple projects.
* Knowledge of Unix/Linux environments and experience deploying applications on Kubernetes.
* Experience with messaging systems such as RabbitMQ or Kafka.
* Interest in and willingness to learn about the biological and biomedical data domain.
* Enthusiasm for collaboration, learning, and growth within a culture that values curiosity and meaningful impact.
* Desired: Experience developing distributed systems.
* Desired: Familiarity with Globus for secure, large‑scale file distribution.
* Desired: Familiarity with CI/CD tools and practices.
* Desired: Familiarity with web application frameworks (React, Vaadin).
* Desired: Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python.
Contract Details
Initial appointment is for 2 years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding. Grade 6 monthly salary starting at £3,695 per month after tax (excluding pension and insurance contributions). Salary is supplemented by a comprehensive benefits package.
Next Steps
This vacancy will be advertised from Thursday, 18th December 2025 with a closing date of 18th January 2026. We invite applications with a cover letter and an up‑to‑date CV as soon as possible.
Why Join Us
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, providing the global research community with access to publicly available databases and tools essential for the advancement of health, food security and biodiversity.
We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This highly collaborative and inclusive community offers a relaxed atmosphere, flexible working arrangements, generous time off, and extensive on‑site facilities.
Benefits
* Financial incentives: monthly family, child and non‑resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, and various insurance coverages.
* Flexible working arrangements – including hybrid working patterns.
* Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family, including prescriptions, dental and optical cover.
* Generous time off: 30 days annual leave plus public holidays.
* Relocation package – installation grant if required.
* Campus life: free shuttle bus, on‑site library, subsidised gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, and sports & social club activities.
* Family benefits: on‑site nursery, child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs and monthly family allowances.
* Benefits for non‑UK residents: visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel home every second year, and monthly non‑resident allowance.
International applicants are recruited globally and offered visa exemptions. EMBL is a signatory of DORA; we apply DORA principles to recruitment and performance assessment. We encourage applications from individuals of all genders, identities, nationalities, and other diverse backgrounds.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: EMBL‑EBI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, or any other protected characteristic.
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