At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and evolve software for cutting-edge microscopy, from hardware control to real-time analysis.
- Company: Join Meridial, a pioneering research organisation focused on neuroscience and drug development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid work environment with a focus on collaboration and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience while working with innovative technology and a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Strong software engineering skills, experience with Python, and a curiosity for science.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 100000 £ per year.
About Meridial
Meridial is a Focused Research Organisation (FRO) with a mission to bring connectomics into the living brain. We are building a platform for longitudinal, synapse-resolution mapping of functional neural circuitry in preclinical models. Our aim is to deploy this platform for translational projects and improve drug development outcomes for disorders of the Central Nervous System. Meridial is a new not-for-profit FRO in the Convergent Research Ecosystem, powered by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).
About the role
Meridial is seeking an entrepreneurial Software Engineer to take ownership of the software systems at the heart of our multi-photon microscopy platform. This is a broad hands-on role spanning hardware control, data acquisition, user interfaces, and analysis pipelines. You will work at the intersection of software and science, collaborating closely with FPGA engineers, experimental neuroscientists, and a growing data team. The near-term priority is maintaining, debugging, and extending our existing MATLAB-based microscope control software. Immediate goals include adding new experimental functionality, improving data handling, and developing real-time analysis modules. You will need to learn the workings of a legacy system quickly, including by working with external contractors, and deploy solutions with an eye toward future fundamental improvements. Longer term, you will help define and drive the architectural evolution of the software stack, potentially including migration from MATLAB toward open-source systems. As the company grows, there will also be opportunities to contribute to data architecture, offline scientific analysis pipelines, and web portals. This role will report to the Director of Engineering and work closely with experimentalists, with clear scope to grow into technical leadership of the software function.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and evolve the microscope software stack, from low-level hardware control to user interfaces and real-time analysis layers
- Maintain, debug, and extend the existing MATLAB codebase as the near-term priority, keeping experimental workflows unblocked
- Develop and maintain new interfaces for data acquisition, instrument control, and synchronisation across complex instrument subsystems
- Collaborate with FPGA engineering to define and implement software control and acquisition architectures
- Work across software and mechatronics boundaries — stages, robotic platforms, motion control, inverse kinematics, and collision avoidance
- Build and evolve real-time and offline image-analysis pipelines supporting the full experimental workflow
- Work with the team to translate scientific requirements into robust software systems
- Contribute to longer-term architectural evolution — modularising the stack, defining APIs, and evaluating migration pathways toward more scalable and maintainable systems
Required Qualifications
- Strong background in software engineering for hardware-integrated or instrumentation systems
- Experience with Python for data analysis and pipeline development
- Experience designing modular software architectures: layered systems, clean APIs, separation of concerns
- Experience interfacing software with hardware: data acquisition, control systems, synchronisation
- Ability to work across abstraction layers, from low-level control to higher-level application logic
- Strong debugging and problem-solving skills across software, hardware, and system-level interactions
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related field
- Genuine scientific curiosity — an interest in neuroscience, imaging, or the underlying biology is a real advantage
- Experience with scientific instrumentation, microscopy, or imaging systems
- Proficiency in systems-level programming — Rust, C, or C++ — with a focus on performance, reliability, and maintainability
- Exposure to large-scale or longitudinal data processing (e.g. volumetric or time-series datasets)
- Experience refactoring or migrating software into modern architectures
- Familiarity with motion control, robotics, or kinematic systems
- Experience working with or alongside FPGA-based systems
Physical Demands
Fine motor skills for operating computers and lab/instrumentation tools
Position Type / Schedule
Full-time, 40 hours/week. Lab location based in London or Cambridge - ability to travel to both preferred. Work arrangement: Hybrid with expected regular onsite presence.
Additional Information
Application materials: CV/resume + cover letter + 2 references. For exceptional candidates, we will consider sponsoring visas and supporting relocation. Compensation: competitive salary commensurate with experience. Generous Benefits will be communicated in interviews. £85,000 - £100,000 a year.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law or company policy. We strive for a diverse, healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.
Senior Software Engineer employer: Convergent Research, LLC
At Meridial, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and inclusive employer dedicated to advancing neuroscience through cutting-edge technology. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and growth, offering employees the chance to engage in meaningful projects that directly impact drug development outcomes. With a focus on professional development and a supportive environment, we provide unique opportunities for our team members to thrive in the vibrant research hubs of London and Cambridge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the neuroscience and software engineering fields. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works at Meridial. You never know who might put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a GitHub or portfolio showcasing your projects, make sure to highlight that during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your experience with hardware-integrated systems and your coding prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your debugging and problem-solving skills. Practice common coding challenges and be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled complex software issues in the past. We want to see your thought process!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Meridial.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with software engineering, especially in hardware-integrated systems. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about the role and how your background in Python and modular software architecture can contribute to our mission at Meridial.
Show Your Scientific Curiosity:We love candidates who are genuinely interested in neuroscience and imaging. If you have any personal projects or experiences related to these fields, make sure to mention them in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Convergent Research, LLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of MATLAB and Python, as these are crucial for the role. Familiarise yourself with the existing software stack and be ready to discuss how you would maintain and extend it.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your genuine interest in neuroscience and imaging. Prepare some thoughtful questions about Meridial's projects and how your role can contribute to their mission. This shows you're not just looking for a job, but are invested in their work.
✨Problem-Solving Mindset
Be prepared to tackle some technical challenges during the interview. Think through how you would approach debugging or extending a piece of software. Highlight your problem-solving skills and provide examples from your past experiences.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working closely with experimentalists and FPGA engineers, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've successfully worked across disciplines to achieve project goals.
