Software Engineer - Python (we have office locations in Cambridge, Leeds and London)

Genomics England is a global leader in enabling genomic medicine and research, focused on creating a world where everyone benefits from genomic healthcare, building on the 100,000 Genomes Project. We support the NHS’s world‑first national whole genome sequencing service and run the growing National Genomic Research Library, alongside delivering numerous major genomics initiatives. By connecting research and clinical care at national scale, we enable immediate healthcare benefits and advances for the future. Behind the Healthcare and Research outcomes, Genomics England delivers through designing, developing and operating complex healthcare software systems. We’re on the cusp of big changes with the real prospect of genomics becoming the fabric of everyday healthcare through the lifetime – from birth to old age.

At Genomics England, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We’re looking for a Software Engineer with a demonstrable track record of delivering and owning backend software, who is passionate about making a difference in genomics and healthcare. As a Software Engineer, you’ll help shape the future of our innovative products. Using your Python programming expertise, you’ll contribute to large‑scale genomic analyses within a collaborative, supportive, and empowering environment. You’ll join the Research Acquisition and Processing (RAP) team, which plays a key role in how genomic research is delivered at Genomics England. As part of RAP, you’ll help build and evolve production backend services used in live genomic studies, working closely with engineers, product and research colleagues on systems that support large‑scale data processing and time‑critical programmes.

Everyday responsibilities include:

• Back End Software Development and Design.
• Develop scalable, high-quality Python code following best practices.
• Design and maintain microservices hosted on AWS, ensuring their reliability and efficiency.
• Build and enhance test automation frameworks to guarantee robust application performance.
• Troubleshoot and support the resolution of issues during development and testing.
• Stay informed on the latest industry trends and embrace new technologies.
• Collaborate closely with front‑end developers, QA and Platform engineers to create reliable, seamless solutions.
• Use tools like GitLab, Confluence, and Jira to support collaborative development.
• Collaborate with 3rd party suppliers to create technical specifications.
• Lead feature development across the team.

Skills and experience for success:

• Expertise in Python and the ability to create scalable solutions.
• Experience working with AWS and microservice architectures.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and test‑driven development.
• A proactive approach to teamwork and problem‑solving using collaborative tools.

Additional skills we’d love to see:

• Experience with test automation frameworks.
• Experience dealing with sample/case management tools.
• Familiarity with front‑end development or a willingness to learn.
• A strong understanding of code review best practices.
• Experience mentoring or coaching junior team members.
• Bonus: Knowledge of JavaScript for front‑end applications.

If you want your Python and backend skills as a Software Engineer to directly support life‑changing genomic research at Genomics England, we’d love to hear from you!

Qualifications: BSc in Computer Science or equivalent experience.

Additional Information:

• Salary From: £71,300
• Closing Date: Sunday 17th May at 23:00 (UK time)

Being an integral part of such a meaningful mission is extremely rewarding in itself, but in order to support our people, we’re continually improving our benefits package. We pride ourselves on investing in our people and supporting them to achieve their career goals, as well as offering a benefits package including:

• Generous Leave: 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, plus additional leave for long service, and also the option to apply for up to 30 days of remote working abroad annually (approval required).
• Family‑Friendly: Blended working arrangements, flexible working, enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave benefits.
• Pension & Financial: Defined contribution pension (Genomics England double‑matches up to 10%, however you can contribute more if you wish), Life Assurance (3x salary), and a Give As You Earn scheme.
• Learning & Development: Individual learning budgets, support for training and certifications, and reimbursement for one annual professional subscription (approval required).
• Recognition & Rewards: Employee recognition programme and referral scheme.
• Health & Wellbeing: Subsidised gym membership, a free Headspace account, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme, eye tests, flu jabs.

Equal opportunities and our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:

Genomics England is actively committed to providing and supporting an inclusive environment that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion best practice both within our community and in any other area where we have influence. We are proud of our diverse community where everyone can come to work and feel welcomed and treated with respect regardless of any disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or social background. Genomics England’s policies of non‑discrimination and equity will be applied fairly to all people, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, being pregnant or recently becoming a parent, race, religion or beliefs, sex or sexual orientation, length of service, whether full or part‑time or employed under a permanent or a fixed‑term contract or any other relevant factor. Genomics England does not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying at work. Such behaviour undermines our mission and core values and diminishes the dignity, respect and integrity of all parties. Our People policies outline our commitment to inclusivity. We aim to remove barriers in our recruitment processes and to be flexible with our interview processes. Should you require any adjustments that may help you to fully participate in the recruitment process, we encourage you to discuss this with us.

Culture:

We have four key behaviours that represent what we would like Genomics England to feel like and the culture we want to encourage, in order for us to achieve our mission. These behaviours help us all work well together, deliver on our outcomes, celebrate our successes and share feedback with each other.

Blended working model:

Genomics England operates a blended working model as we know our people appreciate the flexibility that hybrid working can bring. We expect most people to come into the office a minimum of 2 times each month. However, this will vary according to role and will be agreed with your team leader. There is no expectation that people will return to the office full time unless they want to, however, some of our roles require full time on site attendance e.g., lab teams, reception team. Our teams and squads have, and will continue to reflect on what works best for them to work together successfully and have the freedom to design working patterns to suit, beyond the minimum.

Onboarding background checks:

As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates are subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We therefore require applicants to disclose any previous offences at point of application, as some unspent convictions may mean we are unable to proceed with your application due to the nature of our work in healthcare.