At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software development for groundbreaking protein sequencing technology and ensure system reliability.
- Company: Portal Biotech, a pioneer in nanopore technology for protein sequencing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and the chance to shape innovative scientific solutions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a cutting-edge biotech company.
- Why this job: Join us to revolutionise protein biology and make a real impact in science.
- Qualifications: Extensive software engineering experience and leadership in regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
About Portal Biotech
Portal Biotech has built the world's only platform for sequencing full-length proteins at the single-molecule level. Our nanopore technology reads intact proteins of any size, extracting sequence and post-translational modification information that no other instrument can match. This gives scientists a view of protein biology that has never existed before — with applications spanning drug discovery, diagnostics, and biosecurity. Our technology works. Customers are coming. Now we are building the software infrastructure that turns our breakthrough technology into a scalable system to generate biological insight.
About the role
We're hiring a Head of Software to lead the next phase of Portal's platform, from device to cloud to result. You will define the technical roadmap that transforms our research instrument into a system ready to support regulated applications. You'll work closely with product management, R&D, hardware, data science, QA, and leadership to ensure our software is fast, scalable, secure, and built with the discipline required for high-assurance environments.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Platform architecture, device to cloud: Own the end-to-end architecture across device software, cloud infrastructure, analysis pipelines, and APIs. Make clear, long-term technology decisions that scale with the company. Ensure system reliability and data integrity from instrument to result.
- Software for regulated use: Build the foundations that allow Portal's software to support regulated applications (diagnostics, clinical, biosecurity). Embed risk-aware engineering practices into day-to-day development. Partner with QA & RA to ensure our processes, documentation, and traceability meet the standards expected in regulated markets. Own the security architecture, policies, and practices that underpin the platform.
- Team & engineering practice: Grow the software team across firmware, cloud, and analysis pipelines. Establish coding standards, CI/CD, and validation frameworks that hold up under audit without slowing the team down. Create a culture that values craftsmanship, ownership, and clarity.
- Cloud, data, and analysis infrastructure: Lead development of Portal's cloud platform: data isolation, instrument telemetry, and analysis-pipeline orchestration. Deliver versioned, reproducible analysis workflows with audit-friendly logging and access controls. Own the API strategy for internal teams, customers, and partners.
Qualifications
Essential: Significant experience in software engineering, including senior architectural leadership. Proven track record building complex cloud-based systems. Experience working in regulated or high-assurance environments (medical, diagnostics, aerospace, fintech, etc.). Deep experience designing secure systems and embedding security into the SDLC, including governance practices. Ability to operate in ambiguity and bring structure where needed.
Desirable: Familiarity with software standards (e.g. IEC 62304, ISO 14971, ISO 13485). Familiarity with GxP — GLP, GMP, GCP — and electronic-records expectations such as 21 CFR Part 11 / EU Annex 11. Experience generating a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM). Experience with connected devices or edge-to-cloud architectures. Background in scientific, biotech, or data-intensive platforms. Experience supporting audits or compliance reviews.
What we offer
A competitive salary, meaningful equity, and the chance to build the software backbone of an instrument that lets scientists see protein biology no one has seen before. If that's the kind of problem you want to spend the next few years on, we'd like to hear from you.
Head of Software in London employer: Portal Biotech
Portal Biotech is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets purpose. As the Head of Software, you will lead a talented team in developing groundbreaking technology that transforms protein biology, while enjoying competitive compensation, meaningful equity, and ample opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative culture that values craftsmanship and clarity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the biotech and software engineering space. Attend meetups, webinars, or conferences where you can connect with people who might know about openings at Portal Biotech or similar companies.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your past projects, especially those related to cloud systems or regulated environments. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of software architecture and security practices. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in high-assurance environments, as this will resonate well with the role at Portal Biotech.
✨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 being part of the Portal Biotech team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Software role. Highlight your experience in software engineering, especially in regulated environments, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about our technology and how your background aligns with our mission at Portal Biotech. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Projects:If you've worked on cloud-based systems or in high-assurance environments, make sure to mention specific projects. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges similar to those we face at Portal Biotech.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portal Biotech
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, especially around cloud-based systems and security practices. Brush up on your knowledge of regulated environments and be ready to discuss how you've navigated these in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Software, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've built and nurtured software teams, established coding standards, and created a culture of craftsmanship and ownership. Be ready to share your vision for leading a diverse team across various engineering practices.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in ambiguous situations. Think about times when you had to bring structure to chaos or make long-term technology decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your answers clearly and concisely.
✨Understand the Business Impact
Be prepared to discuss how your software decisions can impact the broader business goals, especially in drug discovery and diagnostics. Show that you understand the importance of aligning technical roadmaps with company objectives and how your role can drive success in these areas.
