Database Engineer

About The Team The Database team at EMBL-EBI provides day-to-day database administration support, performance tuning and query optimisation for the production, development and test database environments operated by our end users (the bioinformatics, technical and research teams of EMBL-EBI). The large central database environment is deployed over an in-house IT infrastructure based on Linux and virtualisation, and incorporates multi-terabyte databases across geographically distributed data centres. In this role you will join an established team of database administrators and engineers responsible for the support of EMBL-EBI’s ongoing database operations. The main database technologies you will be working with are MongoDB and MySQL where you will apply your existing level of expertise. You will work striving to expand your expertise by providing specialised MongoDB and MySQL support for the EBI scientific applications. You will also work on a rotation system in place in our team to address end-user service requests and incidents across all supported Database technologies (PostgreSQL, Oracle, Delphix, MySQL, MongoDB, Microsoft SQL Server) where your responsibilities are to triage new tickets, to check the monitoring/alerting dashboards, to solve tickets yourself, and to escalate any tickets where/if this is required. Duties & Responsibilities In This Role You Will This is a technical hands-on role focusing primarily on MySQL and MongoDB. You will work managing the end-user service requests and incidents described earlier and this spans all database technologies supported by the Database Team. The candidate will work on tasks of varying complexity under the guidance of the technical leads and the line manager. You will progress by taking on increasingly complex tasks, working on larger scale database backend improvement and innovation projects, and customer-facing activities involving the end users (such as reviewing existing solutions and recommending new ones, and performing database migrations). A Typical Day Involves • checking the health of current deployments and raising any concerns, checking communication channels and responding to issues reported by end users; • attending the daily stand up meeting to communicate your daily activities (projects/issues) and any blockers; • conducting identified activities, monitoring the support ticketing system, being prepared to change priorities should any emergencies arise, updating or creating documentation as required; You have (Requirements) • A degree in Computer Science (or an equivalent discipline), or demonstrable experience and learning skills • At least 5 years experience in a Database Administrator role with similar responsibilities • MongoDB, MySQL proficiency • Some experience with one or more among PostgreSQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Delphix • Solid hands-on skills and experience with SQL, Python, shell scripting • Automation mindset • Infrastructure as code experience (Preferrably puppet, but also Terraform, Ansible) • Organisation, attention to detail and the ability to work to tight deadlines You might also have (Desirable) • Cloud computing knowledge • Containerisation knowledge • Key/value expertise (Redis/Valkey) • Experience of IT Service Management (ITSM) • Understanding of project framework concepts Behaviours we look for in our team You enjoy working both independently and as part of a collaborative, international team. You can meet more of the team here • Strong communication and interpersonal skills • Ability to manage your own time and balance multiple tasks • Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills • Ability to work effectively in a team • Willingness to learn, develop, and adapt in a fast-moving environment or demonstrable willingness to take on new challenges and expand your current skill set based on demand Other helpful information Hybrid Working: At EMBL-EBI we are pleased to offer hybrid working options for all our employees. A dedicated desk will be available everyday, our team works two days on site and three from home. Interviews: We plan to hold introductory meetings with selected candidates remotely starting on , following this we plan to hold panel interviews remotely on week commencing 23 February 2026. Contract length: 3 years (renewable up to 9 years) Salary: Grade 5 monthly salary starting at £3,303 per month after tax but excluding pension and insurance contributions. Plus generous benefits. Why join us Do something meaningful At EMBL-EBI you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges. EMBL-EBI, part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, is a worldwide leader in the storage, analysis and dissemination of large biological datasets. We provide the global research community with access to publicly available databases and tools which are crucial for the advancement of healthcare, food security, and biodiversity. Join a culture of innovation We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside 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. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential. Watch this video to see how EMBL-EBI makes an impact. 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. For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page here. What else you need to know • International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Please take a look at our International Applicants page for further information. • EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here. • 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. • How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date. Closing Date 05/02/2026