HGNC Gene Nomenclature Advisor

About this position

The HGNC (HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee) is the only worldwide authority assigning standardised human gene symbols and names. The HGNC has three key goals:

• Providing unique standardised nomenclature of every human gene
• Ensuring this information is freely available, widely disseminated and universally used
• Ensuring this nomenclature is expanded and utilised across vertebrate genomes

We are looking for a new Nomenclature Advisor to work primarily on a collaborative project with the Gene Curation Coalition (GenCC). You will focus on genes associated with human disease and ensure the nomenclature conforms with our recently revised guidelines.

You will work within the HGNC team of Nomenclature Advisors and Software Developers at EMBL-EBI, located on the Wellcome Genome Campus near Cambridge in the UK and in conjunction with the University of Cambridge, UK. In addition to collaborating with the international GenCC project, you will interact with other nomenclature groups, curators at other databases, research scientists and clinicians.

Your role

• Gathering and interpretation of biological information from scientific literature
• Bioinformatic analysis of nucleotide and protein sequences
• Curation of online resources, in particular the HGNC databases
• Communication with researchers, clinicians, other nomenclature groups, journals and databases

This role may involve international travel.

You have

• PhD (or equivalent) in a biological science, preferably with a strong background in genetics, biochemistry or molecular biology
• Familiarity with online genetic/genomic resources including model organism databases
• Familiarity with scientific literature databases
• A strong command of the English language
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong self-motivation to work both independently and as part of a closely interacting team
• Excellent attention to detail

You might also have

• Biocuration experience
• Bioinformatics experience
• Knowledge of biochemistry/enzyme classification
• Experience of collaborating with external groups

Why join us

EMBL-EBI is a worldwide leader in bioinformatics. We encourage personal and professional development and are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their potential at work.

Surrounded by beautiful South Cambridgeshire countryside, our state-of-the-art Campus provides employees with a relaxed atmosphere where the pursuit of scientific discovery and meaningful work, underpin every role. In addition, our employees have access to a wide range of benefits including:

• 30 days annual leave per year plus 8 bank holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• Unique pension scheme including 17% employer contribution
• Annual salary review
• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)
• Death benefit, long-term care, accident at work and unemployment insurances
• Relocation package including installation grant (if required)
• On-site library and subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria
• Casual dress code
• Free shuttle bus to and from Campus
• Extensive sports and social club activities (run on campus and remotely)
• Family benefits: Onsite nursery, 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

What else you need to know

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

At EMBL-EBI, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ and individuals from all nationalities. Visa exemptions will be offered to international candidates and details will be discussed during interview.

This role is based in Hinxton, UK and you will be required to relocate once it is safe to do so if you are currently based abroad. More info on how we are recruiting in this period is available on our page: Recruitment and Onboarding during Covid19.