At a Glance
- Tasks: Build high-performance backend systems using Python and solve complex engineering challenges.
- Company: Join a global leader in information and analytics, committed to innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous vacation, and comprehensive wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Dynamic Agile environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on science and healthcare while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of software engineering experience and proficiency in Python required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about building high‑performance backend systems using Python? Do you thrive on solving complex engineering challenges?
About the team: You will join an Agile squad within Elsevier’s Data Engineering. The squad builds and operates multiple systems that support many internal-facing systems and customer-facing workflows. Our focus is on building scalable, reliable services and data pipelines that improve productivity for authors, users, and customers.
About the role: We are looking for a motivated and skilled Software Engineer III to build and maintain software systems in a distributed environment. You will contribute to technical delivery across multiple components, collaborate with product and engineering partners, and help translate requirements into robust solutions. You will work with guidance from more senior engineers while taking ownership of problems end to end, from shaping the approach through implementation, release, and operational support.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop, test, and maintain scalable backend services and data-processing components.
- Collaborate with other engineers to refine requirements and propose technical approaches.
- Participate in architecture and design discussions; document key decisions.
- Troubleshoot and resolve production issues; deliver complex bug fixes and investigate root causes.
- Implement and improve CI/CD practices, including build automation, deployment pipelines, and release safety.
- Define and implement operational requirements for observability (logging, metrics, tracing), alerting, and runbooks.
- Contribute to code reviews and uphold engineering standards, including secure coding and quality practices.
- Communicate technical status clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Requirements:
- 3+ years of professional software engineering experience delivering production systems.
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science/engineering or equivalent practical experience.
- Proficiency in Python and preferably also Java/SpringBoot.
- Experience with Kafka or other event-streaming platforms.
- Experience with observability tooling, instrumentation, and alert design.
- Experience building and operating APIs and backend services.
- Working knowledge of CI/CD and modern software delivery practices.
- Experience building services in cloud environments and containerized deployments.
- Experience with production support: troubleshooting, incident response, and post-incident improvements.
- Good understanding of testing practices (unit/integration tests; TDD knowledge is desirable).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate across teams.
Why join us?
Join our team and contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. If you are ready to advance your career and make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply.
Work in a way that works for you: We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organization. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance, and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals.
Working for you: We know that your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. These are some of the benefits we are delighted to offer:
- Comprehensive Pension Plan
- Generous vacation entitlement and option for sabbatical leave
- Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, and Family Care Leave
- Flexible working hours
- Personal Choice budget
- Internal communities and networks
- Various employee discounts
- Recruitment introduction reward
- Employee Assistance Program (global)
About the business – A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world’s grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.
We are committed to providing a fair and accessible hiring process. If you have a disability or other need that requires accommodation or adjustment, please let us know by completing our Applicant Request Support Form or please contact 1-855-833-5120.
We are an equal opportunity employer: qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, disability status, protected veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Software Engineer III (Python) in Oxford employer: Elsevier
At Elsevier, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our generous benefits, including flexible working hours, comprehensive pension plans, and various wellbeing initiatives. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact global challenges in science and healthcare, while also enjoying ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer III (Python) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Ace that interview! Prepare by researching the company and practising common technical questions. Don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills and how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining us. Plus, it gives you a better chance of being noticed by our hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer III (Python) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Python and any relevant backend systems. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about building scalable services and how your experience can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, mention specific challenges you've tackled in previous roles. We love engineers who can take ownership of problems and deliver robust solutions, so share those success stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best experience possible. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elsevier
✨Know Your Python Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Python skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Python in detail, including any frameworks or libraries you've used. Practising coding problems related to backend systems can also give you a solid edge.
✨Understand the Agile Methodology
Since you'll be joining an Agile squad, it's crucial to understand Agile principles and practices. Be ready to talk about your experience working in Agile environments and how you've contributed to team dynamics and project success.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific engineering challenges you've faced and how you resolved them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your analytical thinking and troubleshooting abilities.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate across teams.
