DATA INTEGRATION & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER - Python, Perl, Java, SQL - Cambridge, South East

DATA INTEGRATION & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER - Python, Perl, Java, SQL - Cambridge, South East

We are seeking a data integration and development officer to join the ChEMBL team at the EBI.

The role is:
- To be responsible for data modelling, handling and integration of external bioactivity to the ChEMBL databases.
- To implement and apply data handling standards for the externally derived bioactivity data
- To apply data mining techniques for the development of effective large-scale integration/curation strategies and define applicable standards.
The role will involve requirement gathering, use-case development, database design/data modelling and statistical analysis.

The data integration and development officer will report to the ChEMBL group coordinator.

The ChEMBL group's research focuses on mapping the interactions and functional effects of small molecules binding to their macromolecular targets. The group studies the interactions of pharmacologically active molecules and their receptors. In particular the group builds and maintains a series of drug discovery databases that are components of ChEMBL.

The European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) is part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and is located on a greenfield campus with the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. The EBI provides world class data and analysis resources to the biological community.

Applicants will have a minimum qualification of a BSc (or equivalent) in a technical subject (e.g science, computing or mathematics). A higher degree (MSc, PhD or equivalent) and postgraduate/postdoctoral experience is highly desirable.

The ideal candidate is likely to have five or more years of postgraduate experience in areas of scientific data-mining, visualisation and analysis, database design or interrogation and application development, with a demonstrable track record of achievement. Formal training in data modelling, data mining, statistical methods, combined with training in programming/computational sciences is highly desirable but not essential. Relational database design, implementation, data handling/DBA skills would be beneficial. Prior experience of pharmaceutical data, chemical structures and biological sequences and screening data would be very desirable. The successful applicant must have a history of good practice in software engineering, rapid development cycle, and good code documentation. Experience of project management, in a matrix environment is required, as well as sound statistical practice and the ability to apply this in data mining and curation.

The post-holder must have excellent knowledge of UNIX systems and a number of programming and scripting languages (e.g. Python, Perl, Java, etc). (S)he should have good knowledge of relational databases (primarily Oracle) design and implementation, SQL and PL/SQL , web-services and Internet protocols.

The incumbent will be a team player who has the ability to work both as part of a team and independently. (S)he will be self motivated with a drive for quality. Excellent communication (verbal and presentational) and interpersonal skills are a prerequisite. The successful candidate must have the ability to work to strict delivery deadlines.

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.


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.

Please note that special visa requirements apply to persons from countries outside the EU coming to work at EMBL-EBI in the UK. This period of work will not count as qualifying time in the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.

To apply, please email a cover letter, CV (in English) and contact information of three professional references quoting ref. no. IT/09/087/EBI in the subject line.