Software Development Project Leader (Java, Linux)

Role: Software Development Project Leader (Java, Linux)
Location: EMBL-EBI Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK
Staff Category: Staff Member
Contract Duration: 3 years
Grading: 7
Closing Date: 7 September 2014
Reference Number: EBI_00428

Job Description:

A Software Development Project Leader is sought to join the Functional Genomics Development Team at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) located on the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus near Cambridge in the UK.

We are looking for a Project Leader with experience in working on and maintaining large software systems, for the development of the EMBL-EBI BioStudy database; this is a new data resource that will serve as a generic data archive at EMBL-EBI for biomolecular datasets, as well as for maintenance of the current generation of tools. The post-holder will play a key role in the specification, design, implementation and maintenance of software components for the BioStudies database as an extension of the existing Gene Expression database, ArrayExpress, with a particular emphasis on data submission tools and data access interfaces. The Project Leader will also ensure that the existing production level database infrastructure is functional. The work will be performed jointly with software engineers, data curators and bioinformaticians.

The post holder will also be required to design and implement efficient data integration procedures with other resources at EMBL-EBI and beyond; this work will involve liaison with the teams maintaining these resources. Contribution to EMBL-EBI activities in aligning various aspects of resource development will be expected.

The Project Leader will be able to deliver and maintain reliable and robust software components. (S)He will coordinate a small team of 2-3 developers, and will have an active role in setting software development directions for the team.

EMBL-EBI is part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and is located on the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus near Cambridge in the UK. We are a world-leading bioinformatics centre providing biological data to the scientific community with expertise in data storage, analysis and representation. We provide a dynamic, international working environment and have close ties with both the University of Cambridge and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. EMBL-EBI staff enjoy many benefits including excellent sports facilities, a free shuttle bus to Cambridge and other nearby centres, an active sports and social club and an attractive working environment set in 55 acres of parkland.

Qualifications and Experience required for the Software Development Project Leader (Java, Linux) role:

Candidates must have a degree in computer science, mathematics, IT, or a related field. Experience with requirements analysis, design and development of web-based data manipulation tools is essential. We are looking for applicants with a strong interest in software engineering and design. Experience in bioinformatics, biology, or life sciences is a strong advantage.

The list of essential specific experience and skills includes:

•minimum of 5 years' experience in Java programming and thorough knowledge of related EE Java technologies including JDBC, servlets, JSP;

•minimum of 5 years' experience with JavaScript development, knowledge of popular JavaScript frameworks;

•minimum of 5 years' experience with database applications, relational databases: SQL, Oracle and/or MySQL, PL/SQL;

•leadership and management in mid-to-large scale software projects;

•experience of building large web applications with complex DHTML GUIs using AJAX technologies and/or GWT;

•XML databases and XSLT;

•UNIX/Linux and shell scripting;

•solving database and application scalability problems;

•knowledge of team working environments (SCC systems, build automation);

•experience with Perl would be an advantage.

The post-holder must be able to show initiative, take responsibility for timely delivery of software products, and be a good team player. The ability to efficiently communicate with other group members (software developers and biologists) is essential. (S)He will be able to work independently on assigned tasks, manage and serve as a mentor of a small team, think independently and creatively. An enthusiasm for solving challenging problems is a must.

Application Instructions

Please apply online for the Software Development Project Leader (Java, Linux) role through

Additional Information

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

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.

Visa information will be discussed in more depth with applicants selected for interview.