Research Leader

Do you want to lead groundbreaking research in computational biology? Join us at EMBL-EBI!

EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) is seeking talented and highly-motivated scientists to join its Faculty and develop their own independent research group. We welcome applicants from across the whole field of computational biology, in particular those working at the interface of artificial intelligence and biology. Women, who are under-represented in our Faculty, are especially encouraged to apply.

EMBL-EBI is a global leader in computational biology and bioinformatics. Our research groups develop and apply computational approaches to answer fundamental and applied questions, ranging from studying how the genome has evolved through to how the microbiome affects our health and environment. Research in the Institute builds and expands upon a variety of methods, from strategies for sequence and image analysis through to high-dimensional statistical models, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Computational methods developed by groups based at EMBL-EBI are amongst the most widely used by the scientific community, providing the building blocks for future technical advances and scientific discovery. Please refer to the EMBL-EBI webpage and the individual group descriptions to learn more about the research currently being done in the Institute.

As well as joining one of the worlds leading computational biology institutes, all of our group leaders are embedded in the multidisciplinary and collaborative environment of EMBL, which provides many opportunities for interaction with other research groups.

EMBLs long-term scientific direction, Molecules to Ecosystems, aims to advance our understanding of ecosystems at the molecular level, applying expertise in molecular biology to study life in its natural context. Research areas include applying experimental, computational and theoretical approaches to study how cells and organisms interact with each other and respond to fluctuating environments.

Within this programme, the new AI initiative aims to transform research m the development of new AI methods to their application to mine the worlds largest collection of biomedical data, hosted at EMBL-EBI, to the integration of AI in experimental and observational studies and more generally the scientific process. You will have the opportunity to join this new initiative.

The EMBL-EBI is also deeply embedded in the Wellcome Genome Campus and wider Cambridge environment, which represents an outstanding ecosystem for performing world-leading research in computational life sciences.

You will establish and lead an independent research group to pursue ambitious and innovative research goals.

To enable your research, EMBL-EBI will provide a generous package of core support, including funding for PhD students, bioinformaticians, engineers and postdoctoral researchers. You will also have access to outstanding computational infrastructure including high-performance clusters and GPU compute, no formal teaching responsibilities, and complete academic freedom.

You should have an original and exciting research plan for your future team, which can encompass both biological discoveries and methodological advances. You have an excellent research record in computational biology and a PhD in a relevant field. Alternatively, you have a track‑record in machine learning and AI, and interest in applying these to biological questions. A strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration is essential, and we want you to demonstrate your motivation to work in the EMBL environment.

• Scientific excellence and vision you have the potential to develop groundbreaking ideas and contribute to shaping the future of their field.
• Original and innovative thinking you are curious and intellectually creative to approach important research questions from new and original perspectives.
• Collaborative Mindset you are eager to engage with a diverse community of researchers, willing to step outside of your comfort zone, and open to interdisciplinary exchange.
• Mentoring…