Functional Genomics and Single Cell Biology Team Leader

Functional Genomics and Single Cell Biology Team Leader

EMBL-EBI - European Bioinformatics Institute

Hinxton, United Kingdom

Organisation data: Gene Expression
Job Number: EBI02166
Contract Type: Faculty Staff
Job Function: Team Leader (gr. 9-10)
Advertised Grade-Grading: Grade 9 (monthly salary from £5,596.39 after tax) plus benefits
Contract Duration-Length of Time (years/months): 5 years

About the team/job

We are seeking an outstanding individual to lead the development of the Functional Genomics and Single Cell Biology resources at EMBL-EBI.

Recent rapid advances in single cell sequencing, spatial 'omics, high-resolution multiplexed imaging and other novel technologies are generating enormous volumes of life sciences research data to measure the molecular composition of living organisms at the resolution of cell types or states, individual cells, or even at subcellular scales. A leading example of these developments is the Human Cell Atlas project, which the EMBL-EBI has been a part of via the development of the HCA Data Coordination Platform and Gene Expression Atlas. The importance of bioinformatics data resources to curate and permanently archive these data and make them reusable for the scientific community has never been so high. Continuing technological progress and scientific activity make this an exciting and fast-moving field. The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBl-EBI) has the mission, and is ideally placed, to address these challenges.

The EMBL-EBI runs key bioinformatics resources such as the European Nucleotide Archive, the BioImage Archive, BioStudies Database, the proteomics identification database PRIDE and metabolomics database Metabolights, Ensembl and UniProt. The successful candidate will advance gene expression resources in this context, including the Gene Expression Atlas (www.ebi.ac.uk/gxa) and potentially new resources to ensure that data from emerging technologies are findable, fully accessible, interoperable and reusable for the entire research community.

Your role

The successful candidate will lead a team of bioinformaticians, data curators and software developers (circa 10 staff members at present). Working closely with other Team Leaders at the EMBL-EBI and the research community (including those at other EMBL sites, the Sanger Institute [on the same site as EMBL-EBI], CRG [Barcelona] and the broader HCA community), the successful candidate will develop resources that can drive scientific insights in this field and beyond. This will involve anticipating and assessing the impact of technology developments in data generation, and in their archiving, curation, integration, analysis, visualisation and dissemination. It will also require an understanding of the scientific use cases of these data, for which participation in consortia that lead on generating new data is encouraged. You will contribute to the development of EMBL-EBI strategy and represent the EMBL-EBI externally in your area of expertise. This is an EMBL faculty position.

This position is ideally suited for an ambitious scientist with a passion for open science, who wants to make a real impact with a key resource for global data sharing. We are looking for a leader and team player who is focussed on the delivery of key tasks. We expect the candidate to engage with the wider research community and be able to make a compelling case to funders to support the development of data resources. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to have a major impact on how the scientific community archives, validates and re-uses single cell and other functional genomics data.

You have

• A PhD degree in a relevant field;
• At least 3 years postdoctoral experience in the field of bioinformatics, data science or related areas;
• Good understanding of the bioinformatics data landscape, data standards, and analysis methods;
• Knowledge of research in single cell or spatial transcriptomics data and analysis methods, for instance, authorship of scientific publications and/or software packages;
• Project and people-management experience;
• Software development skills and experience in, or understanding of, modern software development by developer teams;
• Ability to engage within the wider bioinformatics community;
• Interpersonal skills and 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 managing a budget;
• An established profile in the international single cell or spatial transcriptomics research community;
• Participation in external collaborations, presentations in 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;
• 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: This position is a 5 year contract, 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;
• EMBL is a signatory of DORA: Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment 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. In your application letter, please demonstrate how you fit each of the key requirements and desirable qualifications;
• Interviews: Candidates invited for an interview will be asked to give a brief (15 minute) presentation that demonstrates their previous experience and what they would bring to the role (5 minutes) and what their approach and vision would be to leading the development of Single Cell Data Resources, and what they think the challenges will be (10 minutes). Interviews will take place in October 2023.

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