At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our QA team, define testing strategies, and ensure software quality for our eProtein Discovery platform.
- Company: Nuclera is a biotech innovator based in Cambridge, UK, focused on accelerating protein discovery.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, bonuses, private medical insurance, and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Join us to shape the future of protein technology while working in a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in software testing, strong Javascript and Python skills, and experience in QA leadership.
- Other info: Work primarily onsite in Cambridge with occasional remote options; no biology background needed, just curiosity!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.
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Lead Software Quality Assurance Engineer, Cambridge
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Client:
Location:
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
b3720a25acd4
Job Views:
6
Posted:
25.08.2025
Expiry Date:
09.10.2025
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Job Description:
Nuclera is a venture-backed biotech company headquartered in Cambridge, UK with significant operations in Boston, USA. Nucleraβs mission is to accelerate discovery by enabling rapid, easy access to functional proteins essential for drug discovery research. Our eProtein Discovery benchtop system accelerates protein expression and purification optimization in research labs.
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer to define and drive our testing strategy, lead our QA team, and ensure the highest standards of software quality for our groundbreaking eProtein Discovery platform. Join us in shaping the future of protein prototyping technology.
This role will be primarily working onsite in our Cambridge, UK office with occasional work remotely from home.
About the role
- Maintain, expand, and improve our automated test suites across both instrument and cloud platform
- Write detailed bug reports, including clear reproduction steps and relevant evidence (logs, screenshots, videos)
- Champion a quality-first mindset across the engineering organization by promoting best practices such as early test involvement and developing with testability in mind
- Collaborate and regularly communicate with the Nuclera Quality team, product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to define and implement robust QA strategies for web applications and connected devices
- Provide clear and actionable test evidence to stakeholders to demonstrate compliance with quality standards
- Line manage and support junior and mid-level QA engineers through mentorship and training
Requirements
- 4+ years of hands-on experience in both manual and automated software testing,
- Demonstrated experience designing and executing risk-based testing strategies, and effectively communicating quality risks to technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Proficiency with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaboration in Git-based workflows
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI, Jenkins) and integrating automated tests into development workflows
- Solid understanding of Linux environments and command-line tools (e.g., bash, ssh, package managers)
- Proven track record of working in Agile/Scrum development teams, including close collaboration with product and engineering teams
- Excellent communication and documentation skills, including the ability to write clear bug reports and actionable test evidence
- 1β2 years in a QA leadership or mentoring capacity
- Experience testing connected devices such as networked laboratory instruments, IoT devices, or embedded systems
- Familiarity with non-functional testing areas, including performance, stress, and scalability testing
- Exposure to quality methodologies such as CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions), 8D Problem Solving, or Six Sigma
- Ability to contribute to test strategy documentation and quality-related process improvements across cross-functional teams
- Familiarity with software security testing principles, including understanding of vulnerabilities and how to test for them
What we offer:
In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Company bonus scheme of 5%
- Life insurance
- Private medical insurance and cash plan
- 25 days\’ annual leave + Bank Holidays
- Enhanced employer\’s pension contributions
- Enhanced maternity and paternity Leave
- Investment in professional development and learning
- Fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and snacks in the office
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Lead Software Quality Assurance Engineer employer: Nuclera
Contact Detail:
Nuclera Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Quality Assurance Engineer
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Javascript, Python, Cypress, and Playwright. Having hands-on experience or even personal projects showcasing your skills in these areas can set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your leadership abilities by preparing examples of how you've successfully mentored junior QA engineers or led a team in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering a quality-first mindset within a team.
β¨Tip Number 3
Research Nuclera's eProtein Discovery platform and understand its significance in the biotech field. Being able to articulate how your QA strategies can enhance the performance and reliability of their software will show your genuine interest in the role.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams. Highlighting your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders will be crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Quality Assurance Engineer
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in software quality assurance, particularly your leadership roles and hands-on experience with Javascript and Python. Emphasise your familiarity with automated testing frameworks like Cypress and Playwright.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for Nuclera's mission and how your skills align with their needs. Mention specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to lead QA teams and implement effective testing strategies.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with risk-based testing strategies and your ability to communicate quality risks. Highlight any experience you have with CI/CD pipelines and Agile/Scrum methodologies.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your technical skills in detail, especially your coding proficiency in Javascript and Python. Prepare to explain your approach to writing bug reports and providing actionable test evidence, as these are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclera
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a QA Team Leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring junior engineers and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you championed quality-first mindsets and implemented best practices.
β¨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with Javascript and Python, especially in automated testing frameworks like Cypress and Playwright. Be ready to discuss your approach to designing risk-based testing strategies and how you communicate quality risks to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
β¨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Collaboration is key in this role. Expect questions about how you work with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders. Prepare to share examples of how you've defined and implemented robust QA strategies in previous roles, and how you maintain clear communication throughout the process.
β¨Be Curious and Willing to Learn
While a biology background isn't required, showing curiosity and a willingness to learn about the biotech field can set you apart. Research Nuclera's mission and products, and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals in protein discovery technology.