UX Designer / Researcher

Overview

Join the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) to influence how millions of researchers access and engage with biomedical literature, contributing to integrating AI-driven search functionalities within one of the foremost open science platforms globally.

About the Role

Europe PMC, a freely accessible repository encompassing over 40 million research articles, abstracts, and preprints, serves a global community including researchers, systematic reviewers, and developers. This pivotal role focuses on developing AI-powered natural language search capabilities and advancing a major MRC-backed initiative (GRIST) to provide transparent insights into UK life sciences funding.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research across diverse groups such as researchers, funders, and grant administrators, transforming insights into practical design recommendations.
• Organize and facilitate workshops with senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Design AI-enhanced features, including natural language search interfaces, that clearly communicate model behaviors and limitations to foster user trust, prioritizing transparency and reproducibility.
• Create wireframes, prototypes, and interactive designs tailored to complex, data-rich products.
• Lead usability testing efforts and leverage data to validate and refine design choices.

Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced research and analytical synthesis skills with the ability to effectively present findings to non-design audiences.
• Proficiency in Figma or similar design software.
• Experience designing for data-intensive platforms such as dashboards and search tools.
• Interest or experience in AI-focused design that emphasizes transparency to users.
• Capability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams including machine learning and data engineers.
• History of engaging with senior-level and external stakeholders.
• Active pursuit of AI literacy through using AI tools for research, prototyping, or usability studies and keeping up with trends in AI user experience.
• Familiarity with web analytics, basic HTML/CSS knowledge, and remote usability testing tools.

Why Work With EMBL-EBI?

Contribute to a product impacting millions globally and advancing open science. Based at the Wellcome Genome Campus in serene Cambridgeshire, enjoy access to amenities like a gym, nursery, shuttle service, restaurant, and library, as well as a collaborative and inclusive working atmosphere.

Contract Details and Compensation

This is a project-based position offered initially as a 3-year fixed-term contract, with potential extensions contingent on grant funding. The starting monthly salary is approximately £3,861.91 after tax, exclusive of pension and insurance benefits, which are generous.

Benefits

• Monthly allowances for family, children, and non-residents, annual salary reviews, pension plans, and various insurance coverages including long-term care.
• Flexible working arrangements incorporating hybrid options.
• Private medical coverage for employees and immediate family, inclusive of dental and optical benefits.
• Generous leave entitlements with 30 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• Relocation support with installation grants where applicable.
• Vibrant campus life featuring free shuttle services, on-site library, gym, cafeteria, casual dress code, and multiple social and sports clubs.
• Family-friendly perks such as an on-site nursery, child sick leave, parental leave, holiday clubs, and monthly allowances.
• Additional benefits for international staff including visa exemptions, education grants, travel support home every two years, and monthly non-resident allowances.

Additional Information

• The organization welcomes international applicants and provides visa exemptions for successful candidates.
• EMBL endorses the principles of DORA to ensure fairness in recruitment and evaluation.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
• Applicants should submit a current CV and cover letter outlining relevant skills, experience, and motivation. Applications will be assessed continuously, with early closure possible upon finding a suitable candidate.
• Deadline for applications: August 4, 2026, 23:59 CET.