BACKGROUND

The EBI is a world-leading bioinformatics centre providing biological data to the scientific community, with expertise in data storage, analysis and representation. Ensembl is one of the world leaders in vertebrate genome annotation and one of the key services of the EBI. We are currently in the process of extending the use of Ensembl to cover a wider range of species (a project known as Ensembl Genomes); which will result in the launch of a number of new divisions e.g. Ensembl Plants, Ensembl Fungi, etc) over the course of the next six months.

RESPONSIBILITIES

We are currently looking to recruit two additional bioinformaticians to join the Ensembl Genomes team to work on Ensembl Plants. The primary task of the postholders will be the integration and analysis of data within the Ensembl Plants database; and the exploitation and extension of existing Ensembl technologies to meet the specific challenges posed by plant genomes. These include the processing of large scale genome re-sequencing data; comparative genomics; standardisation of genome annotation and the correct representation of polyploidy genomes.

The postholders will be expected to interact with our collaborators within the plant research and bioinformatics communities in order to identify priorities and meet specific needs. The positions represent an exciting opportunity for programmers with an interest in plant genomes to help shape the development of the Ensembl Plants site.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should possess a degree-level qualification in the computational or biological sciences and have at least two years experience of professional software development. Candidates must be highly proficient in the use of relational databases (particularly mysql) and be expert in the programming language Perl. Additional languages such as Java are desirable but not essential. Familiarity with the Ensembl system, genome annotation, or a track record in plant bioinformatics will be highly advantageous.

The incumbants should be self motivated and willing to accept responsibility. They will have excellent communication, interpersonal and advanced English language skills.

TERMS

An initial contract of 2 years will be offered to the successful candidate. This can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of review.

HOW TO APPLY

For further information please visit http://www.embl.org and http://www.ebi.ac.uk

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

To apply, please email a cover letter, CV (in English) and contact information of three professional references quoting ref. no. BIO/08/072/EBI in the subject line, to: applications[at]ebi.ac.uk.