At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and evolve software for cutting-edge microscopy, collaborating with scientists and engineers.
- Company: Join Meridial, a pioneering not-for-profit focused on neuroscience and drug development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid work environment with a dynamic team and clear paths for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience while working with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Strong software engineering skills, especially in Python and hardware integration.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 100000 € per year.
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.
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. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Senior Software Engineer employer: Convergent Research
Meridial is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of neuroscience and technology in a collaborative and innovative environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the chance to take ownership of critical software systems while contributing to meaningful research that impacts drug development outcomes. Our hybrid work culture, competitive salary, and commitment to diversity ensure that you will thrive both personally and professionally in our London or Cambridge locations.
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 local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to hardware integration or data analysis. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and how you think.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your problem-solving skills. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. We want to see how you tackle real-world problems!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission at Meridial. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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! Share your passion for neuroscience and how your background makes you a great fit for the role. We love seeing genuine interest, so let your personality come through.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, mention specific examples where you've tackled complex problems, especially in debugging or system-level interactions. We’re looking for those who can think critically and adapt quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your materials and ensure they get the attention they deserve. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Convergent Research
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially MATLAB and Python. Brush up on your debugging skills and be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in past projects.
✨Show Your Scientific Curiosity
Meridial values a genuine interest in neuroscience and imaging. Be prepared to share why you're passionate about these fields and how your background aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits their culture.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since this role involves working closely with FPGA engineers and experimental neuroscientists, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across disciplines. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve translated scientific requirements into software solutions.
✨Think Long-Term Architecture
The role involves contributing to the architectural evolution of the software stack. Be ready to discuss your experience with modular software architectures and any thoughts you have on migrating systems to more scalable solutions. This shows you’re not just thinking about immediate tasks but also the future of the software.
