At a Glance
- Tasks: Build user-friendly interfaces for scientists to analyse data and interact with reports.
- Company: Portal Biotech, a leader in innovative protein sequencing technology.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible remote work options, and a chance to shape groundbreaking products.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge team and make a real impact in the biotech industry.
- Qualifications: 6+ years of front-end experience, deep React and TypeScript skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
About Portal Biotech
Portal Biotech has built the world's only platform capable of sequencing full-length proteins at the single-molecule level. Using our nanopore technology, we read intact proteins of any size, capturing both sequence and post-translational modifications in a way no other system can. This opens up entirely new ways to understand protein biology, with applications across drug discovery, diagnostics, and biosecurity. Our technology works and customers are engaging with it. We're now focused on scaling, turning breakthrough science into products that deliver real biological insight as we move beyond Series A towards global product launch.
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Front-end Software Engineer to join our Analysis Platform team. You'll build the UI scientists use to launch analyses, follow runs and interact with reports from our analysis pipeline.
What you'll work on:
- The launch, run and results interface, serving both internal teams and external users
- Report layout and interaction
- Reusable React components that compose pipeline launch forms from our API
- Integrate with, and help shape, the APIs provided by our backend team
- Support deployment by knowledge-sharing with the DevOps team
Full-time, 6-month contract from October 2026. London preferred, at Scale Space, White City; remote considered with good UK time-zone overlap.
Requirements:
- 6+ years' experience, taking product designs from concept to polished, production frontend
- Deep React and TypeScript expertise: significant commercial experience building complex production web applications
- Experience with modern testing frameworks, including integration and end-to-end testing (e.g. Vitest, Playwright)
- Comfortable owning outcomes, making decisions, and pushing work over the finish line in a fast-moving environment
- Ability to collaborate effectively with backend engineers, domain experts, and product leads
Desirable:
- Experience using AI to augment productivity while producing high-quality outputs as part of an SDLC process
- Exposure to the full development lifecycle, supporting systems post-launch
- Scientific, bioinformatics or lab-software experience
Portal is an equal opportunities employer. We are enriched by our diversity and are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment for all. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and life experiences.
Front-end Software Engineer (Contractor) in London employer: Portal Biotech
Portal Biotech is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the cutting-edge field of protein sequencing technology. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and encourage diverse perspectives, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to our mission. Located in the vibrant Scale Space at White City, London, we offer a unique environment where groundbreaking science meets practical application, making it an exciting place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Front-end Software Engineer (Contractor) in London
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Portal Biotech or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Portal Biotech.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Portal Biotech.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Portal Biotech that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Front-end Software Engineer (Contractor) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Portal Biotech.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Portal Biotech and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portal Biotech
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Portal Biotech uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
