Spectacular advances in light and electron microscopy is transforming life sciences, biomolecular imaging is the next big revolution in biology after DNA sequencing. For instance, scientists are now able to follow the fates of individual molecules in a living cell or image the development of an organism starting from a single fertilised cell. However, to utilise the full potential of these advances, data generated by different biological imaging projects need to be collected, integrated and analysed to extract biologically relevant information. Appropriate image processing and machine learning methods need to be developed, customised and applied to these data, alongside with human curation.

European Bioinformatics Institute, a part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL-EBI), in collaboration with Dundee University and the Euro-BioImaging infrastructure project, is launching BioImage Archive – a reference database of biological images of different scales – from molecules to whole organisms. In collaboration with Dundee University we have recently obtained funding from the Wellcome Trust to facilitate this development. We are now looking for a data scientist with experience in machine learning and image processing.

As the work on BioImage Archive project will be expanding at EMBL-EBI, the post will offer a personal scientific growth opportunity.

You will evaluate, customise and benchmark the available machine learning methods, and apply these to selected data in BioImage Archive with the aim to extract biologically relevant information, for instance, to segment the images in biologically relevant regions. The expected outcome of this work is two-fold – on one hand it will produce high quality annotation of the images, while on the other, it will develop methods for automation of such annotation process.

You will be a member of Brazma group at EMBL-EBI, but will work closely with Uhlmann and Sarkans groups, as well as with Swedlow’s group at Dundee University. You will also be working with the EMBL-EBI’s Training Team, as the developing a training material for utilising bioimage data and analysis methods is among the goals for the Wellcome Trust funding. The post is for 36 months.

A PhD or an equivalent in data sciences or in biology related disciplines.

Knowledge of and experience with machine learning algorithms is expected.
An interest in science, and in particular in biology related problems.

The post holder must be a team player with good communication skills, but must be able to work independently.

Knowledge in image processing and experience in coding will be a strong advantage

At EMBL-EBI, we help scientists realise the potential of ‘big data’ in biology by enabling them to exploit complex information to make discoveries that benefit mankind. Working for EMBL-EBI gives you an opportunity to apply your skills and energy for the greater good. As part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), we are a non-profit, intergovernmental organisation funded by over 20 member states and associate member states. We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus near Cambridge in the UK, and our 600 staff are engineers, technicians, scientists and other professionals from all over the world.

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme and health insurance, educational and other family related benefits where applicable, as well as financial support for relocation and installation. For more information about pay and benefits click here. 

We have an informal culture, international working environment and excellent professional development opportunities but one of the really amazing things about us is the concentration of technical and scientific expertise – something you probably won’t find anywhere else.

If you’ve ever visited the campus you’ll have experienced first-hand our friendly, collegial and supportive atmosphere, set in the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. Our staff also enjoy excellent sports facilities including a gym, a free shuttle bus, an on-site nursery, cafés and restaurant and a library.

To view a copy of the full job description please click here.

To apply please submit a covering letter and CV through our online system.

Applications are welcome from all nationalities and this will continue after Brexit. For more information please see our website. Visa information will be discussed in more depth with applicants selected for interview.

EMBL-EBI is committed to achieving gender balance and strongly encourages applications from women, who are currently under-represented at all levels. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

This position is limited to the project duration specified.

Applications will close at 23:00 GMT on the date listed above.