Software Engineer - Natural Language Search and AI Integration

You will be responsible for designing, developing, and deploying prototype services that enable natural language queries across EBI metadata and selected data type specific searches. You will:

• Implement MCP-based services to expose search endpoints to AI agents.
• Develop a central NLQ entry point integrating metadata search and specialised search modalities.
• Support multilingual search and text summarisation.
• Work closely with the user community, organising workshops, surveys, and UX testing to capture evolving requirements in a rapidly changing technical environment.
• Collaborate with EMBL-EBI technical teams and external partners to ensure interoperability, scalability, and sustainability of the developed services.
  
  University degree in computer science, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Experience with emerging AI agent standards like MCP.
• Strong experience in software development (Python, Java, or similar) and working with search technologies (e.g. Lucene/SOLR, Elasticsearch).
• Familiarity with natural language processing, large language models, or conversational AI frameworks.
• Proven ability to engage with scientific communities and translate user requirements into technical solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment.
You may also have
• Knowledge of biological data resources and their use in research.
• Experience with user experience testing and workshop facilitation.
  
  The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) is seeking a talented and motivated Software Engineer to join our SearchBot project. This new initiative will pilot natural language query (NLQ) capabilities across EBI Search, which indexes more than 6.6 billion records from EMBL-EBI's world-leading life science resources.
The project will also explore frameworks for integrating specialised search services, such as sequence and chemical searches, with modern AI agents using emerging standards like the Model Context Protocol (MCP).,
• 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.
  
  Contract length: 3 year project limited contract.
Salary: Grade 5 or 6 depending on experience. Monthly salary starting at £3,303 or £3,695 per month after tax but excluding pension and insurance contributions. Plus, generous benefits. Next Steps: This vacancy will run from 27th April with a scheduled closing date of Sunday 17th May - We invite you to submit your application as soon as possible. Please include both your up-to-date CV and a cover letter for consideration. 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.