Vacancies Junior Software Developer

AkzoNobel Corporate; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading paints and coatings company in Gateshead is seeking a Junior Software Developer to enhance scientific automation tools. This role focuses on full-stack development using Python and Flask, as well as collaborating with a diverse team to deliver high-impact solutions. Ideal candidates should possess strong Python skills and have a collaborative mindset. The company offers professional development, flexible working options, and a competitive salary package.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Competitive salary

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Experience in software development or equivalent academic/project work.
• Proficiency in Python for data manipulation tasks.
• Ability to write clear, maintainable documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop web applications using Python and Flask.
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines using Git and Azure DevOps.
• Collaborate with scientists to understand automation needs.

Skills

Python

Flask

Git

CSS

JavaScript

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Azure DevOps

Docker

Job description

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792 we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color peoples lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands including Dulux International, Sikkens and Interpon is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long‑established paints company that's dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together.

Junior Software Developer – Scientific Automation

£37,000 – £39,000 per annum plus benefits

Location

Felling, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

We encourage you to apply if you have relevant experience and expertise for this role even if you don't meet all the criteria listed in the job description.

We've been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings there's a good chance you're only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands including Dulux International, Sikkens and Interpon is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It's what you'd expect from the most sustainable paints company which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

Junior Software Developer – Introduction

Operating in over 150 countries AkzoNobel is home to well‑known brands and has been awarded Top Employer status in the UK and Europe. We believe we can only grow our business as fast as we grow our people. That's why we're committed to investing in your time with us.

We are looking for a Junior Software Developer to join our maturing Data and Digital R&D team to build automation tools that support scientific research and development.

The position is predominantly office based but with the potential to experience laboratory and field data collection. Candidates must be highly enthusiastic about working on a multitude of problems and to work with a variety of data sources. You will work under the guidance of a line manager and will be supported by a dynamic and diverse team of data scientists, software developers and IT personnel. You will work closely with chemists, biologists and other industry experts to develop and deploy applications that streamline workflows, improve reproducibility and accelerate innovation.

This is a hands‑on role with real impact ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems, learning new technologies and working in a collaborative environment. We are looking for someone who wants to develop personally and professionally in a friendly cross‑functional team.

The Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic full‑stack software developer who is wanting to apply their experience to solve real‑world problems in an applied industrial environment.

The role involves:

• Working in a maturing Data and Digital R&D team within a large multinational organization to design and develop web applications using Python and Flask to support the needs of the scientific community.
• Building and maintaining CI / CD pipelines using Git and Azure DevOps.
• Deploying and managing applications in AkzoNobel's Azure environment.
• Managing security and compliance by integrating secure authentication using Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) into all developed applications.
• Collaborating with scientists and stakeholders to understand automation needs and design solutions to meet their requirements.
• Participating in Agile ceremonies (stand‑ups, sprint planning, retrospectives) to manage project development.
• Writing clean, maintainable code and contributing to complete and readable documentation.
• Following secure coding practices and contributing to improving team processes.

Job Requirements

Soft skills

You should have a collaborative mindset and be comfortable working in a cross‑functional team with scientists, data analysts and IT. You should be able to work closely and communicate effectively with non‑digital colleagues to refine requirements and deliver solutions.

You need to be willing to work in a maturing team where processes are still evolving and where you have an opportunity to establish best practice and break new ground. You will be expected to proactively contribute to improving team processes, tooling and delivery practices.

You should be creative and enjoy problem solving; this will help in the design of solutions but also in debugging and troubleshooting during product development.

You should be comfortable working in an Agile manner using iterative cycles, embracing change and delivering incremental value.

Technical Skills and Experience

Experience in software development (or equivalent academic/project work).

Proficiency in Python: strong Python skills for scripting data manipulation and integration tasks. Ability to work with structured and unstructured data using Pandas, NumPy, PIL, MatPlotLib or even basic ML tools if needed.

Documentation: Ability to write clear, maintainable documentation for both code and systems.

Practical experience working with Flask and developing Flask apps.

Practical experience with front‑end development using CSS, HTML, JavaScript (basic proficiency).

Experience using Git for version control.

Fundamental understanding of CI / CD workflows.

Awareness of secure development practices

You should be familiar with the fundamentals of software development but specialized training on focused content will be provided as part of the role. Any experience in the following would be advantageous but is not expected.

Desirable

• Experience with Azure DevOps for Agile project management.
• Experience with Azure services (App Services, Functions, Key Vault, etc.).
• Familiarity with containerization (e.g. Docker).
• Understanding of identity and access management using Entra ID.
• Understanding of data engineering and management: API calls, SQL queries.
• Image Data handling: Experience with image manipulation e.g. using OpenCV.
• Exposure to scientific or research environments.
• Agile experience: Familiarity with Agile frameworks including participation in stand‑ups, sprint planning, retrospectives and backlog.
• Testing: Unit testing, integration testing and test automation frameworks (e.g. Pytest).

Junior Software Developer: What’s in it for you

We believe in creating a supportive and rewarding environment where people can do their best work. Here's what you can expect from us:

Professional Development and Purpose

• Learning time: Time dedicated to personal development, experimentation or learning new tools.
• Training access and support: Use of platforms like Microsoft Learn and LinkedIn Learning and access to formal certifications (e.g. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ‑900), Azure Developer Associate (AZ‑204), Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC‑300); Agile training e.g. SCRUM master) and occasional conference attendance.
• Mentorship: Regular guidance from an experienced team to help you grow technically and professionally.
• Project ownership and autonomy: Opportunities to lead small initiatives and see your work make a real impact. We trust you to take initiative and shape how solutions are built and delivered.
• Contribute to scientific innovation: Work on automation tools that directly support cutting‑edge R&D in a scientific environment.

A Comprehensive Package Including

• Flexible working: Hybrid working options and flexible hours to support your lifestyle.
• Generous leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with the option of buying more).
• Wellbeing support: Access to mental health resources and wellbeing initiatives.
• Competitive salary (depending on experience).
• Income protection.
• Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centre stores.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Employee Life Assurance.
• Company pension.
• Flexible benefits scheme offering benefits including retail card, dental cover and more!

How to Apply

Apply online via the link below and we will get back to you.

We have been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team. We are advocates of a healthy work‑life balance and mental wellbeing. We may consider flexible working for this role.

Applications close 10th September 2025. The first stage interviews to be held with/c 22nd September 2025.

Job Details

• Employment Type: Full‑time
• Vacancy: 1
• Salary: £37,000 – £39,000 per annum plus benefits.
• Experience required: Junior IC (entry‑level).
• Requisition ID: 48628

Inclusive Workplace Statement

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias so that our TA and hiring managers are mindful of them and take corrective actions. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.