Lead global training in open biodata and AI
Training and inspiring researchers at all career levels is one of EMBL's five missions. The EMBL International Centre for Advanced Training (EICAT) coordinates scientific training across EMBL's six sites, and provides a large portfolio of training and public engagement activities for internal audiences, the global scientific community as well as the general public. As an important part of EICAT's remit, the EMBL-EBI training team ensures that millions of researchers can use the EMBL-EBI data resources, some of the world's most critical open data resources in molecular biology, effectively, equitably, and at scale. We are recruiting a Head of EMBL--EBI Training to lead this work and shape its future direction.
Your role
You will report to the Head of EICAT and have a secondary reporting line to the Head of Knowledge Management Section at EMBL-EBI. You will lead the EMBL-EBI Training team from Hinxton, and contribute as a member of the EICAT leadership team.
You will drive the strategy, innovation, and delivery of one of the world's most influential bioinformatics training programmes and ensure that it responds to developments in the areas of data science and AI. This is a unique opportunity to lead at the intersection of open science, AI, and global capacity building, at a time when the use of open data for training AI models is transforming research.
Why this role is exciting
- You will lead a programme already operating at extraordinary scale. In 2025, this included:
- Over 488,000 unique users accessing on-demand resources
- Over 6,200 live webinar attendees, with over 85,000 on-demand views
- 524 live-course participants from 105 countries
- You will shape EMBL-EBI's contribution to EICAT and its wider training mission, collaborating with other EICAT teams, the Data Science Centre, EMBL AI, and colleagues across all six EMBL sites.
- You will influence global training ecosystems through partnerships with ELIXIR, EOSC, UNESCO, and other international organisations.
- You will lead a talented team delivering high-impact, open, FAIR, inclusive training that supports the global life-science community.
What you will lead
- Strategic direction: Developing and delivering the long-term strategy for EMBL-EBI's training portfolio, aligned with EMBL-wide training goals.
- Programme innovation: Identifying emerging scientific areas and AI-driven opportunities, ensuring EMBL-EBI remains at the forefront of data-science training.
- Team leadership: Inspiring and guiding the EMBL-EBI Training team, fostering a strong service culture and professional excellence.
- Stakeholder engagement: Building deep, collaborative relationships across EMBL-EBI, EMBL, ELIXIR, and global partners.
- Global capacity building: Strengthening EMBL's role in international training initiatives and promote open, FAIR, inclusive data science worldwide
- Operational excellence: Overseeing EMBL-EBI's contributions to EMBL's external training portfolio, including the EMBL Course and Conference Programme.
You have
- A PhD (or equivalent) in life sciences, engineering, or a related technical field
- At least five years' experience in advanced scientific or technical training leadership
- A strong track record in delivering high-quality training across academia, industry, government, and the public sector
- Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects
- Success in securing external funding
- Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
- A collaborative, collegial style and the ability to inspire the training team's resilience, integrity, and the ability to lead through change
You may also have
- A well-developed network of contacts in scientific and technical training and associated fields, including funding and policy for life science
- Experience of evaluation and impact analysis
- Working knowledge of learning management systems/training platforms and their application in an organisational setting
Contract length: 5 years, renewable to a maximum of 9 years
Salary: Grade 9, monthly salary from £5,982.74 after tax, plus generous benefits and financial allowances based on family circumstances. Excluding personal pension and insurance contributions.
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 and inclusion: At EMBL, 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.
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