At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop applications for scientific data analysis in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Oxford Biotherapeutics, a pioneering biotech firm focused on cancer therapies.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, generous pension, training budget, and team-building events.
- Other info: Work closely with scientists in a friendly, innovative culture at the Oxford Science Park.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in science by building tools that help researchers unlock complex data.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in Computer Science or Bioinformatics with experience in software development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
If you’re a software engineer who enjoys building high-quality applications, has an interest in biology, and wants to work on tools that enable scientists to explore complex data and generate meaningful insights, this is your opportunity to join OBT as a Scientific Software Engineer.
About Oxford Biotherapeutics (OBT): Oxford Biotherapeutics (OBT) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. You will contribute directly to the pre-clinical development of our immuno-oncology pipeline. Our proprietary OGAP® platform, the world’s largest cancer-specific membrane protein library enables the discovery of novel, highly tumour-specific antigens for first-in-class ADC, Bispecific T-cell Engager (BITE®), and CAR-based therapeutics. Our lead asset, OBT076, is in Phase 1b clinical development, supported by a strong internal and partnered pipeline with leaders such as Roche, GSK, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Zymeworks.
Introduction to the role: We are seeking a Scientific Software Engineer to design, build, and evolve applications and systems for scientific data interrogation and analysis. This is a highly hands-on role operating at the intersection of software engineering, biology, and data science. This role is primarily on-site, based at the Oxford Science Park, with an expectation of at least 4 days per week working in the office. Close, in-person collaboration with bioinformaticians, data scientists, and biologists is a key part of how we work. The role requires someone who can work independently, take ownership of systems end-to-end, and proactively identify areas where software, data access, automation, or integration can materially improve scientific workflows.
Key Responsibilities
- Application Development: Design and develop internal applications and web-based tools for interrogating biological and biomedical data. Build user interfaces using JavaScript / TypeScript and React. Develop applications, services, and APIs using C# and .NET. Build integrations to external APIs and data providers (commercial, public, and internal scientific resources). Deliver maintainable, well-tested, production-quality software suitable for a research-critical environment.
- Data & Database Engineering: Build data-access layers from existing scientific datasets.
- Collaboration, Ownership & Delivery: Work closely with bioinformaticians and data scientists to co-develop applications and AI-powered tools. Operate effectively within Agile development methodologies, participating in sprint planning, refinement, and reviews. Use Jira for backlog management, task tracking, and delivery planning. Take ownership of initiatives from initial idea through delivery, adoption, and long-term maintenance. Proactively identify gaps, inefficiencies, or opportunities where new tools, systems, or integrations would benefit scientists. Mentor junior developers and scientists in software engineering good practice.
Required Skills & Experience
- BSc or MSc in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience working with biological, biomedical, or life-science data.
- Strong, hands-on experience with: C# and .NET, JavaScript / TypeScript and React.
- Proven experience working within Agile development methodologies, including use of Jira.
- Proven ability to design, build and maintain production-quality software systems.
- Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and drive development proactively.
- Strong communication skills and experience collaborating in cross-disciplinary scientific teams.
- Solid grounding in software engineering fundamentals including version control, testing, documentation, and maintainability.
Desirable Experience
- Experience with Microsoft Azure or other cloud platforms (AWS, GCP).
- Experience with graph databases and graph-based data modelling.
- Experience contributing to AI/ML-enabled tools in a scientific or data-driven environment.
- Experience mentoring others or acting as a technical lead or point of reference.
- Working knowledge of Python.
Benefits Offered
- Private health care (Bupa).
- Health Cash Plan.
- Generous pension scheme with potential employer contribution of up to 10% (based on match contributions).
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme.
- Free onsite parking.
- Office snacks.
- Enhanced holiday entitlement above statutory minimum plus public holidays.
- Employee Referral Bonus Program.
- Annual training budget for professional development.
- New hire share options.
- Team building events and activities.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all employees and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Why Join Us
At OBT, we foster a culture of innovation, ownership, and collaboration. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we aim to develop novel therapies to address some of the most challenging diseases. Our people describe our environment as friendly, collaborative, and driven. We are committed to creating a workplace where individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered to contribute built on a foundation of trust, creativity, and mutual respect.
Scientific Software Engineer in Oxford employer: Oxford BioTherapeutics
Oxford Biotherapeutics (OBT) is an exceptional employer for those passionate about merging software engineering with biology, offering a collaborative and innovative work culture at the Oxford Science Park. Employees benefit from a generous pension scheme, private healthcare, and ample professional development opportunities, all while contributing to groundbreaking cancer therapies in a supportive environment that values diversity and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Software Engineer in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to biological data or software engineering. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the company’s mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their work in immuno-oncology and software development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 team at OBT.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Software Engineer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for biology and software engineering shine through. We want to see how your interests align with our mission at OBT, so share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your passion for scientific data.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Scientific Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with C#, .NET, JavaScript, and React, and explain how you've used these skills in previous projects. We love seeing how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford BioTherapeutics
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in C#, .NET, JavaScript, TypeScript, and React. Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to discuss how you've used these technologies in past projects. Being able to demonstrate your hands-on experience will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Understand the Science
Since this role is at the intersection of software engineering and biology, take some time to familiarise yourself with basic biological concepts and data types. Knowing how your work impacts scientific workflows will help you connect better with the team and show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Prepare for Collaboration
This position requires close collaboration with bioinformaticians and data scientists. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve worked in cross-disciplinary teams. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a collaborative environment and mentor others in software engineering best practices.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to identify gaps and inefficiencies in processes, and share ideas on how you could improve scientific workflows at OBT. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ownership mentality.
