BioImage Archive Search Engineer at European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

About the team/job

We are searching for a talented individual to work on systems to enable better search and discoverability of life sciences images and their annotations. The role will suit a creative, innovative person who enjoys being part of a high performing team working on critical scientific infrastructure.

The revolution in imaging technologies has led to the need to share, integrate and reuse image data in a comprehensive way. The BioImage Archive, launched in 2019, was made possible from funds from UKRI and provides the means to store and search life science datasets from all imaging technologies at all scales and across all modalities. The Archive now provides a key scientific service to researchers across the globe. Success in building data collections has led to a need to enable better search and discoverability of these collections, particularly to meet the growing demands of the AI and machine learning communities. 

Your role

You will design and implement systems to make biological images and their annotations from multiple sources discoverable and usable for maximal scientific benefit. This will involve the deployment of search engine systems, development of indexing pipelines and implementation of domain specific metadata schema. You will work both directly with users to understand their needs and requirements, the BioImage Archive team, and other service and technical teams across EMBL-EBI. 

You have

• A first degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology or a related discipline
• Experience developing robust search applications,
• Track-record of delivering search engine solutions for large datasets
• Familiarity and experience in testing and documenting applications
• Demonstrated skills in written and verbal communication
• Excellent interpersonal skills 

You might also have

• Experience in API development
• Specific experience with Solr and/or Elasticsearch
• Understanding usability testing and gathering user requirements
• Experience in Python programming
• Experience working with metadata schema, ontologies or other systems for knowledge management
• Knowledge or interest in molecular biology 

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.

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
• 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 (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 more details please see our employee benefits page. 

What else you need to know

What else you need to know

• Contract duration: This position is a 3 year contract.
• 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.
• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we implement best practices in research assessment in our recruitment processes here.
• 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. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date: 3rd December 2023.