Job description

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.

UX Designer / Researcher