Software Developer

Murnen Design; Saffron Walden; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in human genetics is looking for a software developer to work on the DECIPHER platform. You will be responsible for designing and optimizing data structures, interfacing with other teams, and improving code quality. An understanding of human genetics is preferred, along with extensive JavaScript experience and familiarity with relational databases. This role offers hybrid working options with a contract length of 3 years and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Generous benefits including pension

Hybrid working options

Dedicated desk on-site

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in software development in JavaScript (Node.js or browser-based).
• Good knowledge of relational databases and design principles.
• Familiarity with modern software development practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement data structures for human genome information.
• Investigate and reshape data from various sources.
• Review code and refine development practices.

Skills

Software Development in JavaScript

Relational Databases

UNIX/Linux

User Experience Design

Job description

In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop domain area expertise in human genetics while working with a modern technology stack. You will design, develop, and support the DECIPHER platform, extending its functionality and keeping it up to date with cutting-edge scientific knowledge. DECIPHER is a web application written in Node.js using Vue, Nuxt.js, and Express, with a PostgreSQL database, using Sequelize as an ORM.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

1. Designing and implementing data structures and user interfaces to represent information related to the human genome and genetic disorders.
2. Investigating, retrieving, and reshaping data from other resources.
3. Upholding and refining expectations for code quality, conventions, and development practices. Reviewing code written by other developers and identifying areas for improvement.
4. Responding to bug reports and requests for support or new features, working with stakeholders to understand their requirements.
5. Identifying causes of performance issues and resource usage, developing optimizations to maintain a responsive and stable service.
6. Identifying and evaluating new technological opportunities, and advocating for their adoption as part of team planning activities.
7. Liaising with other groups at EMBL-EBI and externally to explain requirements, optimize data presentation, and agree on standards for data representation.

You have

1. Extensive experience in software development in JavaScript (Node.js or browser-based).
2. Good knowledge of relational databases, including designing tables, views, and constraints.
3. Experience working in a collaborative professional software development environment.
4. Proficiency working in a UNIX/Linux environment, using command-line tools and version control.
5. An understanding of modern software development practices and tooling, e.g., Continuous Integration/Deployment, automated testing, linting, performance benchmarking.
6. Experience of or enthusiasm to learn about human genetics.
7. An ability to produce consistent and compelling user experiences.
8. The ability to deliver high-quality products on time with careful attention to detail.

You may also have

1. Experience in developing reactive, data-driven web applications in JavaScript frameworks such as Vue, React, or Angular.
2. Experience working with SVG and/or HTML canvas to visualize data.
3. Familiarity with scripting languages such as Bash, Perl, or Python.
4. Experience in designing and leading software projects.
5. Experience in bioinformatics and managing genomics data.

Other Helpful Information

• Contract length: 3 years (grant-based contract).
• Salary: Grade 5 - 6, monthly salary at £3,229 or £3,612 after tax, excluding pension and health insurance contributions. Plus generous benefits.
• We offer hybrid working options: a dedicated desk on-site, with most team members working two days on-site and three from home. A team day is held once a week (Thursday), with flexibility for an additional on-campus day.
• Interviews: We plan to hold introductory meetings with selected candidates remotely at the end of August 2025.
• Interested? Please submit both a cover letter outlining your suitability and interest, and an updated CV. We can only review applications containing both documents. For questions, please contact us online.