DESCRIPTION

The EBI provides network services for data retrieval and computational analysis of biological data. These services are crucial to the global molecular biology research community and require constant support and development to remain state-of-the-art. We are seeking a Systems Engineer to join our External Services team, which has a central role in the provision of these services.

The post holder will be responsible for the software environment in which the services are deployed. This will involve close work with the Systems and Networking group (responsible for the hardware environment) and with the developers of individual services within the External Services team and other teams at the EBI. The primary duties include:
• Management of multiple Apache and Tomcat servers at the EBI.
• Ongoing development, maintenance and updating of EBI’s web servers.
• Performance of quality assurance tests for conformity to established standards.
• Monitoring web usage and providing usage statistics.
• Assessment of new technologies for applicability to the EBI’s needs.
• Some support and help-desk duties.

REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate should be a graduate in a discipline with a substantial informatics component. (S)he should be proficient in the administration of web server software, with an emphasis on Apache and Java based server containers, such as Tomcat, as well as programming languages used to deploy web based services, i.e. Java and related technologies, Perl, Python, C/C++, SOAP, JAX-WS etc. Familiarity with networking and hardware aspects of web management such as network routing, web redirectors and load balancers is required. The post holder should have experience in systems administration with an emphasis on maintaining a reliable and expanding web presence and be well acquainted with all relevant web servers technologies. Computer skills at the system administration level are a key requirement. Knowledge and interest in bioinformatics will be advantageous.

The post is in an academic, international, scientific environment with a very significant service component. Previous exposure to some of these elements will be an advantage. The Systems Engineer should possess good communication and interpersonal skills in order to be able to effectively interact with external user groups and in-house developers. Additionally, excellent English skills are required.

CONTRACT

An initial contract of 3 years will be offered to the successful candidate. This can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of review.

DUTY STATION

European Bioinformatics Institute
Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK

URL: http://www.embl.org/ and http://www.ebi.ac.uk

HOW TO APPLY

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation.

To apply, please send a CV (including names and addresses of referees) and covering letter, by email, quoting ref. no. BIO/06/169 in the subject line, to: application[at]embl.de