At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build backend systems for groundbreaking AI-driven biology projects.
- Company: Join a pioneering AI lab at the forefront of life sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, hybrid work model, and career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work alongside scientists and engineers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in scientific discovery through innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Strong Python skills and experience with cloud infrastructure and backend systems.
The predicted salary is between 102000 - 238000 £ per year.
Role: Staff Software Engineer (Python | Backend | Infrastructure)
Location: Hybrid - 2-3 days in London Office
Compensation: Up to £170,000 + equity
We’re working with a frontier AI lab pushing the boundaries of computational biology, combining machine learning, cloud infrastructure, and scientific research to accelerate discoveries in life sciences.
As a Staff Backend Engineer , you’ll build the distributed systems and data infrastructure that power the lab’s next-generation biology platform. From model serving to real-time data processing, your work will form the backbone of a platform enabling scientists to explore and manipulate biological data in entirely new ways.
What you’ll do
- Design and own backend architecture for large-scale, data-intensive applications.
- Develop and optimize APIs that handle complex biological and ML-driven workloads.
- Build and maintain data pipelines for ingesting, transforming, and serving scientific data at scale.
- Deploy and manage infrastructure across Kubernetes and AWS, ensuring robustness and observability.
- Drive system reliability through automated testing, monitoring, and fault-tolerant design.
- Collaborate across disciplines , working with ML engineers, biologists, and platform teams to ensure seamless integration between computation, data, and science.
You should have
- Deep experience building and scaling backend systems and distributed applications .
- Strong coding skills in Python , with an understanding of performance tuning and concurrency.
- Hands-on experience with Kubernetes , AWS , and modern cloud infrastructure .
- Proficiency with databases — schema design, performance optimization, and analytics.
- Familiarity with REST APIs , websockets, and authentication/security best practices.
- A disciplined engineering mindset — you think about reliability, maintainability, and long-term scalability.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with MLOps and model-serving infrastructure.
- Background in high-performance computing or large-scale scientific workloads.
- Expertise in data pipeline architecture and real-time streaming systems.
- Knowledge of scientific or biological computing environments .
This is a rare opportunity to join a deep-tech AI lab where backend engineering meets scientific discovery, building the systems that let machine learning models and experimental biology evolve together.
If you want to design the infrastructure behind a platform that could change how we understand life itself, we’d love to hear from you.
Staff Backend Engineer (AI Lab | £170,000) in London employer: Paradigm Talent
Join a pioneering AI lab at the forefront of computational biology, where you'll be part of a collaborative and innovative work culture that values scientific discovery and technological advancement. With competitive compensation, equity options, and a hybrid working model in London, this role offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact in life sciences. Embrace the unique advantage of working alongside experts in machine learning and biology, driving the future of scientific exploration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Backend Engineer (AI Lab | £170,000) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the AI and backend engineering space on LinkedIn or at meetups. 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 or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to Python, Kubernetes, or data pipelines. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do before they even meet you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on system design and coding challenges. Practice makes perfect, so consider mock interviews with friends or use platforms that offer coding challenges to sharpen your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Staff Backend Engineer (AI Lab | £170,000) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with backend systems and Python. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re passionate about this role. Share your enthusiasm for AI and computational biology, and explain how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:When applying, be specific about your experience with Kubernetes, AWS, and data pipelines. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've tackled challenges in these areas, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our AI lab!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paradigm Talent
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python, Kubernetes, and AWS. Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to discuss how you've optimised backend systems in the past. They’ll want to see your hands-on experience, so prepare examples that showcase your technical prowess.
✨Understand the Science
Since this role is at the intersection of AI and biology, it’s crucial to have a grasp of the scientific concepts involved. Familiarise yourself with computational biology and how machine learning can be applied in this field. This will help you connect better with the team and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Prepare for System Design Questions
Expect to tackle questions about designing scalable and reliable backend architectures. Think through how you would approach building data pipelines or optimising APIs for complex workloads. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with ML engineers and biologists, so highlight your teamwork skills. Be ready to share experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated across disciplines. Emphasising your ability to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders will set you apart.
