We are looking for a dynamic Software Engineer to join the EBI Search project [PMID: 40322924], a scalable text search engine providing easy and uniform access to the biological data resources hosted at the European Bioinformatics Institute ( EMBL-EBI ).
EBI Search provides the central discovery infrastructure indexing more than 6 billion data objects across EMBL-EBI and external resources. It enables search and cross-linking across more than 100 biological data domains via web interfaces and RESTful APIs. You will join a team of software developers working together to support scientific research and FAIR data access across multiple disciplines.
Your role
In this exciting role you will contribute to:
Integration and indexing of biological data and metadata, and provision of these through user-friendly web interfaces and web services for the international research community;
Development of new features within an established and evolving codebase;
Integration of the search platform with emerging AI technologies to enhance data discovery and improve user experience;
Development of lightweight and efficient approaches for integrating data from multiple domains;
Collaboration with colleagues across EMBL-EBI, applying industry-standard best practices to create and maintain efficient, reusable and well-documented software.
You have
A degree in Computer Science or a related field;
A minimum of two years experience in software development;
Good knowledge of Java;
Experience with JavaScript and/or TypeScript;
Experience with scripting languages such as Python and Bash;
Good communication skills;
Familiarity with modern software development practices and tools, including version control systems, CI/CD pipelines and automated testing.
You may also have
Experience in biomolecular or biomedical data and metadata integration;
Working knowledge of Solr, Lucene or Lucene-based search technologies;
Knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes or other deployment technologies;
Knowledge of additional data storage technologies, including relational databases, graph databases and NoSQL systems;
Familiarity with Linux/Unix environments;
Experience with collaborative development tools such as Jira and Confluence;
Experience with machine learning approaches, ideally in the context of data discovery.
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 £569 per 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 contract
Salary: Monthly salary starting at £3,303 or £3,695 after 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.
How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system before the closing date.
DORA - EMBL is a signatory of DORA and is committed to hiring and training outstanding research, service, and administrative personnel.
To apply, please submit a covering letter and CV via our online system. Applications will close on 27/06/2026
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