Software Engineer (Machine Learning)

The Francis Crick Institute Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa sponsorship

28 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Eye care vouchers

Gym discounts

Subsidised on-site restaurant

Job summary

The Francis Crick Institute is seeking a skilled Software Engineer (Machine Learning) to join the Software Engineering and AI team. You will design, implement, and deploy ml solutions to accelerate scientific discovery, collaborating with researchers and technical specialists.

Strong Python and ML theory fundamentals are essential, with experience in reproducible scientific software and containerised environments (Docker/Apptainer). The role is based in London at Crick’s state-of-the-art campus.

Qualifications

• Strong Python software engineering skills for ML systems.
• Experience with ML theory and mathematical foundations.
• Ability to develop reproducible scientific software and workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-quality software to meet project needs and deadlines.
• Collaborate with scientists and facilities, building strong relationships.
• Contribute to code reviews and co-development while maintaining quality standards.
• Plan projects with feasibility assessment, prototyping, and estimates.
• Deliver end-to-end lifecycle from engagement to maintenance.

Skills

Python

Machine learning

Containerisation

Docker

Apptainer

LangChain

LlamaIndex

LLM frameworks

HPC / Cloud

Software engineering

Tools

Docker

Apptainer

LangChain

LlamaIndex

Job description

Job Title: Software Engineer (Machine Learning)

Details of the role:

Working pattern: This is full time permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Salary: From £55,000 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Application closing date: 4th of October 2026 at 23.59

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

We are recruiting for a knowledgeable Machine Learning Engineer to join the Software Engineering and AI team at the Francis Crick Institute.

Working closely with researchers and technical specialists, you will help develop innovative machine learning solutions that accelerate scientific discovery, while also contributing to the development and support of institute wide applications and services.

As part of a collaborative team of engineers, you will apply your expertise to design, implement and deploy solutions to complex biological challenges and play a key role in supporting and advancing world leading scientific research

What you will be doing

You will:

Design and develop high-quality, maintainable software to meet project needs and deadlines (including the interpretation of project requirements and technical specifications across multiple research and operational domains)

Collaborate effectively with internal scientists and core facilities as well as external partners, building solid working relationships across the institute and beyond

Collaborate within the team through peer review and co-development, maintaining quality standards

Assist in the planning of projects by assessing feasibility, prototyping, and providing time and resource estimates

Take a project through its lifecycle, through user engagement, scoping, prototyping, planning, delivery, and maintenance

Stay current in the field, and share knowledge/ideas across the team

Strong software engineering fundamentals in Python*

Excellent understanding of machine learning theory and related mathematical principles

An understanding of reproducibility, repeatability and replicability for scientific software and experience of building and distributing reproducible software

Evidence of understanding good software engineering practice

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels and the ability to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience*

Experience with containerised environments (Docker, Apptainer etc.)*

Experience running code on high-performance computing clusters (or equivalent cloud environment)

Experience with LLM/agentic frameworks (such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, DeerFlow, Haystack, or others)*

Experience developing and evaluating agents, skills, tools, or MCPs*

About Working at the Crick

Our values

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture.

We arebold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently.

We areopen. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.

We arecollegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. Weare aDisability Confident: Committedemployer andwant to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and sowe'llmake reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you needassistancewith applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: [e-mail]

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK

Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.

Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.

24/7 GP consultation services.

Occupational health services and mental health support programs.

Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.

Work-Life Balance:

Childcare support allowance.

Annual leave purchase options.

Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.

Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.