Programmer (Software Engineer) - Life Sciences...

About the Role:

We are seeking a Software Engineer (Programmer) to join our interdisciplinary Hardware team. Based in our headquarters in Scale Space, White City, London, and reporting to the Instrument Team Leader, this primarily on-site role will involve the development of software to automate laboratory equipment and processes and launch runs on prototype instruments. You will collaborate cross-functionally with scientists, engineers and bioinformaticians to streamline experimental workflows, improve user experience, and integrate software with complex hardware systems.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead software development relating to automation needs.
• Develop and refine GUIs for prototype instruments working with stakeholders.
• Support the development of prototypes into production-ready devices.
• Develop and maintain embedded software or firmware for instruments where applicable.
• Ensure robust communication between hardware components e.g., sensors, actuators, pumps.
• Develop software to automate lab processes, sample handling, experimental protocols, and data collection.
• Work with engineers and scientists to integrate lab systems (e.g., liquid handlers, robotic arms, microfluidic controllers) into experimental workflows.
• Develop or configure lab scheduling and orchestration tools.
• Build pipelines for real-time or post-run data processing e.g., images from microscopes.
• Develop software for data analysis, data QC checks, statistical analysis, or machine learning models to interpret experimental data.
• Write and maintain documentation including software requirements, software verification reports.
• Conduct or support formal software verification and validation activities.
• Understand experimental goals and help translate scientific requirements into technical solutions.
• Provide software and system troubleshooting support during experiments.

Qualification:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s of PhD degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, C++, C#, RUST, LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Java.
• Experience developing GUIs (e.g. using PyQt, Tkinter, .NET, or similar frameworks).
• Familiarity with hardware-software integration (instrument control, serial communication, APIs, etc.).
• Understanding of laboratory automation systems or scientific instrumentation.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Good communication skills and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable:

• Experience of software development for life sciences equipment and medical devices e.g., DNA sequencers, DNA printers, bioincubators, cell sorters, microscopes, glucose meters.
• Familiarity of equipment used to automate laboratory processes e.g., liquid handlers.
• Knowledge of machine learning methods for the interpretation of data.
• Knowledge software regulations applying to medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and manufacturing systems e.g., 21 CFR.
• Familiarity with microcontroller programming or embedded systems.