5 or 6 depending on experience and qualifications depending on qualifications and experience

EMBL-EBI Hinxton

As soon as possible after closing date

The EBI is part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and is located on the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus at Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK.

We are looking for an experienced scientific programmer to produce software for analysing high-throughput sequencing data; specifically producing nucleotide sequences (“base-calls”) from the raw output of sequencing machines. The programmer will be responsible for producing a robust, production-ready implementation of previously developed algorithms.

The scientific programmer will have sole responsibility to produce, test, document, maintain, distribute and support code implementing a novel statistical method called "AYB" - (see http://www.ebi.ac.uk/goldman/AYB) which has recently been developed at the EBI.

The post holder will combine these duties with further development of the AYB methodology and will have the option of contributing to other relevant projects dependent on time and experience. The scientific programmer will report to the AYB project leaders at the EBI and will collaborate with scientists and bioinformaticians at the EBI and other research institutes. Some travel, including international, is expected to support users and analyse interesting failure cases.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 10th December 2009.  

The successful candidate will have a first degree in a highly numerate subject such as maths, physic, computer science or engineering; a relevant post-graduate qualification would be advantageous. Formal knowledge of biology is not expected but candidates should have a lively interest in the life sciences. S/he will have a minimum of 3 years experience of software engineering, including successful completion of multiple projects, and have proven ability to implement complex numerical methods in robust, easy to use software suitable for non-experts. Experience of development of novel statistical models and data analysis methods would be an advantage.

It is essential that the scientific programmer has experience of C/C++ programming and software engineering (build systems, version control, unit testing), on both Windows and Unix platforms and have informal experience with several distinct programming language families.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication both written and oral and interpersonal skills and have the ability to work within a small team, seeking advice from others when needed. Experience of providing user support would be highly desirable.

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.

Accepting late applications

Description for this position