Location: EMBL-EBI, Hinxton near Cambridge, UK
Contract Duration: 5 years (renewable to a maximum of 9 years)
Grading: Grade 9 - (monthly salary starting at £5,596 after tax + benefits) plus other paid benefits depending on personal circumstances
Closing Date: 7 November 2023
Reference Number: EBI02174
Recent advances in technology and analysis have revealed significant opportunities to further our understanding of the diversity and impact of human genetics (such as the first full length telomere-to-telomere human genome and the first release of the human pangenome). As a result, we are excited to launch a new (Faculty level) Team Leader position leading the development of human genomic resources at EMBL-EBI.Ensembl, hosted at EMBL-EBI, is a world-leading browser that supports several aspects of genomic research across species and a wealth of knowledge on the human genome. A key use is the interpretation of genomic variation, such as that enabled by the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor (VEP) tool. In this context, by joining us as Human Genomics Team leader, you and your team will have the opportunity to have a major impact on how scientific data can be harnessed for understanding human biology and disease.
Your role
As Human Genomics Team Leader, you will be responsible for a multidisciplinary team of approximately 20 individuals, which includes software developers, bioinformaticians and data curators.Your primary responsibility will be to deliver data services concentrated around human variation and regulation. Your expertise will feed into the wider Ensembl project, working with senior colleagues to deliver this major data resource overall. Medically relevant resources including Ensembl VEP, Gene2Phenotype, IGSR, and DECIPHER are also part of the portfolio. Making these resources work in concert to best effect, recognising opportunities for further development, and ensuring the data within these resources flow smoothly into resources at the EBI (such as UniProtKB, Human Cell Atlas, PRIDE) and in key collaborations elsewhere (e.g. RefSeq, dbSNP, gnomAD).To be successful in this role it is essential to anticipate future data resource needs of researchers in the field. Understanding the role of the EMBL-EBI human genetics resources in the community, the relationship between data, clinical practice and policy will be essential. This will require scientific horizon scanning, strategic thinking, fundraising, and engagement and collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders in Europe and globally. You will represent the EMBL-EBI externally in your area of expertise.You will engage extensively with external scientific collaborators, both academic and industrial. As a member of EMBL Faculty, you will report to the Section Head for Genome Assembly and Annotation, Rob Finn, and will work with the senior Ensembl staff and members of faculty to develop EMBL-EBI’s genomics strategy, particularly in the area of human and medical genomics.This position is for an ambitious scientist, with a passion for open data, who wants to lead the development of key resources in the area of human genomics, variation and/or regulation. We need an inspiring and engaging leader who understands the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and is focused on the delivery of key tasks.
You have
• A PhD degree in a relevant field.
• Good understanding of the bioinformatics data landscape, especially data standards and analysis pipelines.
• Demonstrated research in genomics data, analysis methods, and the different types of data that are utilised for genome annotation. Examples should be in publications or authorship of community / open source software.
• Project and line-management experience.
• Software development skills and experience in, or understanding of, modern software development processes employed by a team of developers.
• Ability to engage within the wider human genomics community.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a collaborative spirit.
• The ambition and drive to develop scientific services for the wider research community.
You might also have
• Experience in writing successful grants.
• Experience in budget management.
• A track record in leading scientific projects.
• Experience designing databases, developing websites and/or working with big data.
• An established profile in the international research community in an area related to human genome annotation, medical genomics and/or variation.
• Participation in external collaborations.
• Presented at international meetings.
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 including hybrid working patterns
• 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
• Contract duration: 5 years (renewable to a maximum of 9 years)
• 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.
• How to apply: In your application letter (no more than 2 pages), please describe how your experience fits the role, including some or all of the key requirements and desirable qualifications. Please also briefly address your view of the future use of the human genome in understanding variation, regulation and/or evolution.
• Interviews: If invited for an interview you will be asked to give a 15-minute presentation that demonstrates your previous experience, what you would bring to the role (5 minutes) and what your approach and vision would be to leading the development of the human genomics team, especially in the context of Ensembl, and what you think the challenges will be (10 minutes). Interviews will be virtual and take place in November/December 2023.
