At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a cutting-edge website platform to revolutionise dementia research.
- Company: Join Alzheimer's Research UK, the leading charity dedicated to dementia research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, inclusive environment with a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against dementia while working with modern tech.
- Qualifications: Experience in software engineering, particularly with React and Python/Django.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 63000 £ per year.
As the UK's leading dementia research charity, we're determined to stop this from becoming a reality. We're working to revolutionise the way we treat, diagnose and prevent dementia. But we will not stop there. With your support, we will keep going until every person is free from the heartbreak of dementia. We exist for a cure. In order to make this happen, we need to operate with best in class Digital and Technology tools and platforms. So, join us as we embark on a major journey of transformation across our digital, data, and technology offering!
The Lead Software Engineer will play a critical, hands-on role in shaping this future. We are investing in a new website platform that will provide an improved user experience, be built and operated using modern Tech (e.g. React, headless CMS, CI/CD) and be a foundation for continued future optimisation. The website will unlock the ability to attract more users (via increased visibility on search engines and repeat visits) and increase the number of people donating online for a cure.
This role will be the senior technology team member on the new website project team, ensuring that the solution designed and delivered primarily by our website development partner is using modern approaches and tools. In addition, this person will actively take part in the development and test of the website platform and ultimately be the internal technical owner of the platform for ARUK. The post holder will report into the CIO but work day to day with the Digital Engagement team to deliver the new website platform. This is a 24-month fixed term contract.
Key Responsibilities:- Act as the internal technical owner of the new website platform, providing strong technical leadership, governance, and assurance across its design, build, and operation.
- Provide technical oversight and direction to the appointed Digital / website development partner, ensuring best practice engineering approaches, tooling, and standards are applied throughout delivery.
- Own and make key technical design decisions, ensuring the website platform:
- Uses modern web and cloud‐native technologies (e.g. React, headless architecture).
- Uses modern technical approaches for code management, build and deployment pipelines (CI/CD).
- Aligns with Alzheimer's Research UK's broader enterprise architecture, security standards, and technology roadmap.
- Integrates effectively with existing and future Alzheimer's Research UK's systems (e.g. CRM, fundraising, analytics, marketing platforms).
- Actively contribute as a hands‐on software engineering individual contributor during the build and test phases, including:
- Reviewing and contributing to code where appropriate.
- Supporting technical problem‐solving and performance optimisation.
- Participating in testing, release, and deployment activities.
- Work closely day‐to‐day with the Digital Engagement team, ensuring technical delivery supports user experience, content, fundraising, and optimisation objectives.
- Establish and embed good engineering practices for the platform, including documentation, environment management, deployment, monitoring, and support handover.
- Take technical ownership of the platform post‐launch, supporting continuous improvement, optimisation, and future enhancements.
- Strong professional experience as a senior software engineer / lead software engineer working on modern website or digital platforms.
- Ideally a full stack engineer with strong front-end skills (our main languages/ frameworks are React and Python/Django).
- Proven experience with modern front‐end and web architectures, including:
- React (or comparable modern JavaScript frameworks).
- Headless CMS and API‐driven architectures.
- CI/CD pipelines and automated testing practices.
- Experience acting as a technical owner or lead for an app or website.
- Experience working with modern code management tools (e.g. GitHub, Bitbucket) and of version control/code branching approaches.
- Experience using AI tools to improve engineering efficiency (e.g. Cursor, Claude code, GitHub Copilot).
- Knowledge of code build and deployment processes.
- Solid understanding of cloud‐hosted, scalable, and secure web platforms, including performance, resilience, and security considerations.
- Experience integrating websites with wider digital ecosystems (e.g. CRM, analytics, marketing automation, donation/payment platforms).
- Ability to operate effectively as both a hands‐on contributor and a senior technical advisor, balancing strategic oversight with practical delivery.
- Experience working in an agile environment using development workflow tools such as JIRA.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non‐technical stakeholders.
As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £63,000 per annum, plus benefits.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Senior Lead Software Engineer in Cambridge employer: Alzheimer's Research UK
Alzheimer's Research UK is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the fight against dementia. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, we offer opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology while contributing to a vital cause. Our Cambridge office provides a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring every team member can thrive and make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lead Software Engineer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech world, especially those who might have insights into the role or the company. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a referral, which is gold dust in the job market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the latest trends in web development. Be ready to discuss how you can apply modern technologies like React and CI/CD in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the mission! Alzheimer’s Research UK is all about making a difference. Make sure to express why you want to be part of this journey and how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can track your progress and stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lead Software Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Lead Software Engineer. Highlight your experience with modern web technologies like React and CI/CD, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had in previous projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about dementia research and how your skills align with our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be specific about your technical expertise. Mention your experience with front-end frameworks, cloud-native technologies, and any tools you’ve used to improve engineering efficiency. We love seeing real examples!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Apply as soon as you can through our website. This way, you’ll have a better chance of being considered, and it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alzheimer's Research UK
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially React and Python/Django. Brush up on modern web architectures and CI/CD practices, as you'll likely be asked to discuss your experience with these during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Lead Software Engineer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead technical projects. Prepare examples of how you've provided technical oversight or made key design decisions in past roles. This will show that you can take ownership of the new website platform.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll be working closely with non-technical stakeholders, so practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Think about how you can convey your ideas clearly and effectively, as strong communication skills are essential for this role.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company’s digital transformation journey and how the new website will integrate with existing systems. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
