At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a cutting-edge website platform to combat dementia.
- Company: Join Alzheimer's Research UK, the leading dementia research charity.
- 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 difference in the fight against dementia while working with modern tech.
- Qualifications: Experience in software engineering, especially with React and modern web architectures.
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.
Ways of working: 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.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £63,000 per annum, plus benefits.
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information. The closing date for applications is the 21st June 2026, with interviews being arranged once shortlisting has been completed. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances.
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. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.
How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.
About Alzheimer's Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.
Technical Lead - Front End (React) - Work from Home in Cambridge employer: Alzheimer's Research UK
Alzheimer's Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking work in dementia research while enjoying a flexible work-from-home arrangement. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative culture, and the chance to lead innovative digital projects, you will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to making a real difference in people's lives. Our office in Cambridge provides a supportive environment for creativity and professional development, ensuring that every team member can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Lead - Front End (React) - Work from Home in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech world, especially those who work in similar roles or companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those using React and modern web technologies. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. Use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills. Remember, confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission to tackle dementia head-on.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Lead - Front End (React) - Work from Home in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Technical Lead - Front End. Highlight your experience with React and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in modern web technologies. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
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 technical expertise aligns with our goals. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, don't forget to mention your hands-on experience with CI/CD pipelines, headless CMS, and any AI tools you've used. We’re looking for someone who can lead and innovate, so let us know how you fit the bill!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s easy to create an account, attach your CV, and track your application status. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
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 CI/CD practices. Brush up on your knowledge of headless CMS and API-driven architectures, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Technical Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to guide teams and make key technical decisions. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led projects or mentored others, highlighting your leadership style and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Mission
Familiarise yourself with Alzheimer’s Research UK and their mission. Be ready to discuss how your role as a Lead Software Engineer can contribute to their goals. Showing genuine interest in their cause can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Hands-On Questions
Expect to dive into practical coding scenarios or problem-solving exercises during the interview. Practice coding challenges related to front-end development and be prepared to explain your thought process clearly, especially when discussing performance optimisation and testing.
