EMBL is looking for an enthusiastic Software Developer to join the Software Development and Solutions team!
The IT Services team operates and supports the IT infrastructure and services at EMBL headquarters in Heidelberg and the laboratory’s sites in Barcelona, Grenoble, Hamburg and Rome.
We are seeking a highly motivated Software Developer to design, implement, and manage a web platform that enables programmatic and user-friendly access to raw experimental data collected from EMBL’s research infrastructures. The initial focus will be on MX data, with the potential for broader application across other datasets in the future. This project aims to support both internal users and external collaborators by integrating experimental metadata and making the data searchable and accessible through a web-based interface and programmatic API.
Your Role
- Analyze and understand current functionalities of the DMApp platform at EMBL.
- Conduct a landscape analysis of existing technologies and best practices for similar projects across the research community.
- Define project scope, milestones, and deliverables in collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Select and implement a suitable technology stack for developing the web-based interface and API.
- Develop and deploy a programmatic API to access raw data in the EMBL repository, starting with MX data from Hamburg.
- Reconcile and integrate metadata (ISPyB database for MX) to enable catalog-based access to the data.
- Collaborate with internal teams (Data Science, PDBe, Synchrotron stakeholders) and contribute to NFDI and EMBL Data Science initiatives.
- Ensure secure access management (authentication/authorization) and DOI integration where necessary.
- Monitor and log access to the platform for KPI reports and usage statistics.
- Prepare technical documentation and contribute to relevant publications.
- Represent EMBL Hamburg at relevant conferences and workshops.
You Have
- A degree in computer science, bioinformatics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Experience with web development technologies and frameworks (e.g., Java, Spring, Vaadin, Python or similar).
- Proficiency in developing RESTful APIs and integrating data repositories with web interfaces.
- Familiarity with metadata standards and data management best practices in scientific contexts.
- Knowledge of FAIR principles and their application in research infrastructure is highly desirable.
- Experience with large datasets and data storage solutions.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work with stakeholders across disciplines.
You might also have
- Experience working with synchrotron data or scientific data management systems.
- Prior exposure to working with metadata platforms such as ISPyB.
- Understanding of or interest in structural biology and macromolecular crystallography.
- Experience contributing to open-source projects and academic publications.
Why join us
Do something meaningful
At EMBL you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges. EMBL conducts world-class excellent biological research, provides advanced training for students and scientists, and provides state-of-the-art technologies for a wide range of scientific and experimental services.
Join a culture of innovation
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. We are located in Heidelberg, a scientific hub in Germany, and home to several internationally renowned research facilities adjacent to its world-famous university. Heidelberg is also a popular tourist destination due to its romantic cityscape, including the Heidelberg Castle, the beautiful Baroque old town, amongst others.
Enjoy Lots Of Benefits
- Financial incentives: Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, a comprehensive pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work, and unemployment insurances
- Flexible working arrangements
- Certified training and continued development of your professional, and personal skills
- Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family
- Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year
- Relocation package including installation grant (if required)
- Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work, subsidized canteen and cafeteria, on-site library, casual dress code, extensive sports, and social club activities
- Family benefits: On-site nursery, 10 days of child sick leave, generous parental leave and monthly family, and child allowances
- Benefits for non-German newcomers: 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
What Else You Need To Know
- International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions
- The working language of the institute is English
- Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought, therefore we welcome all individuals to apply
- Job location: This role is based in Heidelberg, Germany. You will be required to relocate if you are based elsewhere 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
- Discover more about working with EMBL IT Services at embl.org/itservices
