Informatics Specialist

Our client is a leading biotechnology company at the forefront of drug discovery, supporting projects from early target identification through to clinical development.

They are looking for an Informatics Specialist (2-year FTC) to play a key role in shaping how scientific data is captured, structured, and shared across research teams. This backend-focused role will centre on database systems, APIs, and data pipelines, with a particular emphasis on integrating Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) platforms—building solutions to extract, transform, and transfer data between systems to support collaboration and downstream research.

In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with scientists and technical teams to design and deliver scalable data solutions, helping to turn complex biological and chemical data into usable, high-impact insights.

Key responsibilities:

  • Designing and building APIs and backend services to make scientific data accessible and usable
  • Developing and optimising database structures to support complex research data
  • Improving performance and reliability of data systems through tuning and optimisation
  • Integrating internal platforms with external scientific software and tools
  • Building and maintaining data pipelines connecting lab systems (e.g. LIMS) with central data environments
  • Working closely with scientists to understand requirements and translate them into practical technical solutions

Qualifications and skills:

  • Strong backend development experience (Python or Java), ideally building APIs in production environments
  • Experience working with ORM frameworks (e.g. SQLAlchemy, Hibernate) including handling complex data models
  • Solid understanding of relational databases (PostgreSQL/MySQL), including schema design and query optimisation
  • Experience with containerisation (Docker) and CI/CD pipelines
  • Familiarity with API security best practices

In return, our client offers a competitive salary, a strong benefits package, and the opportunity to work on impactful, real-world scientific challenges.

Keywords: Informatics, Backend Development, APIs, Data Engineering, Database Design, Drug Discovery, LIMS, Python, Java, Cloud, CI/CD, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, London, Ely, Bedford, Chelmsford, Bury St Edmunds, Peterborough, VRS9399MP.

Job Details

Company
VRS Recruitment
Location
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom
Employment Type
Contractor
Salary
Salary negotiable
Posted