Database Developer
Employer: European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI)
Location: United Kingdom
Category: Research and Science | Skilled Worker
Description
The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) is seeking an experienced Database Developer with a strong record in database and software development to help build a new database management system for one of the most internationally used biological science data resources — UniProt.
You will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary team of software engineers, bioinformaticians, and scientists collaborating to serve a global research community in genomics, proteins, and proteomics.
Your work will focus on developing, designing, and maintaining a new database and production software system for UniProt, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain the UniProt database system.
- Build efficient, scalable, and well-documented code.
- Implement RESTful services and backend systems.
- Contribute to infrastructure development and distributed data processing.
- Collaborate with cross-functional scientific and technical teams.
Requirements
- Degree in Computer Science or related field.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in database management systems.
- Strong skills in PostgreSQL and experience with Oracle is advantageous.
- Proficiency in Java, SpringBoot, and RESTful API development.
- Knowledge of Solr, Kubernetes, Git, and Unix commands.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Desirable
- Experience with large-scale data processing technologies (e.g., Apache Spark).
Additional Information
- Hybrid Working: Flexible model with at least two days onsite per week.
- Interviews: Conducted remotely.
- Contract Length: 1 year (project-based).
- Salary: Grade 5 or 6, depending on qualifications and experience (£3,303 – £3,695/month after tax, excluding pension and insurance).
Why Join EMBL-EBI
Make an Impact: Apply your technical skills to accelerate science and tackle major global challenges in health, food security, and biodiversity.
Culture of Innovation: Based on the Wellcome Genome Campus, you’ll be part of a collaborative, international research community surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside.
Benefits
- Financial incentives: Pension scheme, family and child allowances, annual salary review, and insurance cover.
- Flexible working: Hybrid options available.
- Health coverage: Private medical insurance for you and your family.
- Time off: 30 days annual leave plus public holidays.
- Relocation support: Including installation grant (if applicable).
- Campus life: Free shuttle bus, on-site gym, cafeteria, sports and social clubs.
- Family support: Nursery, parental leave, child sick leave, and education grants.
- International perks: Visa exemption, non-resident allowance, travel support to home country every two years.
Diversity and Inclusion
EMBL-EBI is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented groups.
Visa Sponsorship
International applicants are welcome — EMBL offers visa exemption and full support for eligible candidates.
Application Process
To apply, submit your cover letter and CV through the EMBL-EBI online application system.
Closing Date: 24 October 2025 (23:59 CET).
Responses will be provided within two weeks of the closing date.
About EMBL-EBI
The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, is a world leader in the storage, analysis, and dissemination of large biological datasets.
Join EMBL-EBI and contribute to a mission that supports researchers worldwide with open-access biological data and tools that drive scientific innovation.
