Software Developer

European Molecular Biology Laboratory; Saffron Walden; Hybrid; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in the UK seeks a motivated Software Developer to design and maintain applications and APIs for genetic data management. You will focus on developing new submission and metadata APIs and enhancing deployment pipelines. The role demands at least 4 years of Java experience and familiarity with Agile methodologies. Enjoy a supportive environment with generous benefits, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

30 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Relocation package

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of professional experience in Java.
• Experience across the full software development lifecycle.
• Experience working in Agile software development teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement applications and APIs for managing genetic data.
• Develop a new submissions and metadata API.
• Enhance deployment pipelines with GitLab CI/CD and Kubernetes.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Agile methodologies

PostgreSQL

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Git

Kubernetes

JIRA

Confluence

Job description

The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Software Developer to join the European Genome‑phenome Archive (EGA). The EGA is a world‑leading resource for permanent secure archiving and sharing of all types of potentially identifiable human genetic and phenotypic data resulting from biomedical research projects. Its mission is to enable data access, reuse, and reproducibility to accelerate biomedical and translational research, in line with FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). On behalf of data owners, the EGA securely stores and distributes genetic data, streaming more than 20 TB per day of encrypted data to authorized researchers worldwide. The EGA is also an ELIXIR Core Data Resource, ensuring the long‑term preservation and accessibility of valuable biological data for the global life sciences community.

What You’ll Do

As a Software Developer in the EGA team, you will design, implement, and maintain applications and APIs that support the ingestion, management, and distribution of controlled‑access human genetic and phenotypic data. A key focus of this role will be the development of a new submissions and metadata API, which supports data submission, validation, and integration with other resources. You will contribute to the design of new applications and the improvement of existing ones, enhance our deployment pipelines with GitLab CI/CD and Kubernetes, and collaborate closely with the operations team to ensure the reliability and scalability of EGA services. Most EGA software components are implemented in Java using Spring Boot and deployed on Kubernetes within EMBL‑EBI’s infrastructure. The team follows Agile methodologies and uses Git, JIRA, and Confluence in a collaborative development environment.

About the Team

The EGA is part of the Human Genomics Team, led by Mallory Freeberg, which is part of the broader Genome Assembly and Annotation (GAA) section at EMBL‑EBI. The successful candidate will work closely with other EMBL‑EBI resources, including the IT and Technical Services teams (ITS), and contribute to international standards through collaborations with organisations such as the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH). The initial appointment is for two years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding.

Diversity & Inclusion

At EMBL‑EBI, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities, and/or any other diverse backgrounds.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Experience across the full software development lifecycle (design, implementation and deployment)
• Experience working in an Agile software development teams across multiple projects
• Minimum 4 years of professional experience in Java, including hands‑on experience with Spring Boot
• Knowledge of relational databases, preferably PostgreSQL
• Experience working in collaborative software development teams in academia or industry
• Interest in and willingness to learn about the biological and biomedical data domain
• Enthusiasm for collaborating, learning, and growing with a team that values curiosity, personal development, and meaningful impact

Additional Qualifications

• Experience developing distributed systems
• Experience working in Unix/Linux environments
• Experience deploying applications on Kubernetes
• Experience with message queue systems (Kafka, RabbitMQ)
• Familiarity with Globus for secure, large‑scale file distribution
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools and practices
• Familiarity with web application frameworks (React, Vaadin)
• Familiarity with scripting languages, such as Python

Contract Length

2‑year fixed term, with potential for extension depending on funding.

Salary

Grade 6 monthly salary starting at £3,695 per month after tax but excluding pension and insurance contributions. Plus generous benefits.

Next Steps

This vacancy will be advertised from Thursday, 18th December 22025 with a closing date of 18th January 2026. We invite you to apply as soon as possible with a cover letter and up‑to‑date CV.

Why Join Us

At EMBL‑EBI you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind’s greatest challenges. We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, beside 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.

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 public 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