Senior Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer

Full-Time 65000 - 73000 £ / year (est.) Working from home possible
Public Library of Science

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design and maintain innovative cloud-native solutions for open science.
  • Company: PLOS, a nonprofit leader in Open Access publishing, fostering scientific progress.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, remote work, and generous holiday allowance.
  • Other info: Fully remote role with excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of science while working with cutting-edge technologies.
  • Qualifications: Experience in full stack development and a passion for agile practices required.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 73000 £ per year.

This position is fully remote/home based. Applications will be accepted from candidates based in the UK and the following US states: FL, IL, MA, MD, NY, PA, TX, VA.

Role Summary

PLOS is a nonprofit, Open Access publisher empowering researchers to accelerate progress in science and medicine by leading a transformation in research communication. The Senior Software Engineer draws on a diversity of experience in software engineering, architecture, and lifecycle management to collaboratively design, build, and maintain modern cloud-native solutions to power the ongoing revolution in open science. A high level of motivation, independence and willingness to constantly learn and improve are necessary to be successful. This role sits within the Digital team and is part of a team of engineers within the software engineering function.

Responsibilities

  • As part of a cross-functional product team, contribute designs, code, tests, code reviews, and excellent judgment towards the development and continuous improvement of our digital platforms.
  • Participate in agile ceremonies and evolving development practices of the team.
  • Contribute to the overall platform architecture.
  • Ensure new work is delivered in alignment with said architecture.
  • Establish and support development processes.
  • Provide stewardship of the long-term sustainability of our platform and actively manage platform health and technical debt.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Significant professional software engineering experience gained in a full stack environment, ideally with experience using Google Cloud, Python, React, Kubernetes, BigQuery, or similar modern technologies.
  • Hands-on experience developing, shipping, operating, and/or maintaining consumer and/or enterprise web applications.
  • Demonstrated passion for delivering testable, instrumented, and reliable code.
  • Strong track record of using and improving agile software development and related design practices.
  • Deep understanding and experience of at least one server-side language.
  • Expertise in cloud native architectures.
  • Expertise in data pipelines and event-driven architectures preferred.
  • Expertise in machine learning and machine learning pipelines preferred.
  • Solid foundation in secure coding practices.
  • Solid understanding of client-side technology (CSS/HTML/JS).
  • Experience with continuous delivery methods and technologies.
  • Experience with using data to inform development decisions.
  • Ability to collaborate with a variety of functions, personalities and cultures.
  • Ability to actively listen, ask the right questions and see the underlying meaning in what’s being said and not said.
  • Flexible and open minded.
  • Energy and enthusiasm for learning.
  • Problem solving in multiple domains.
  • Resilient, proactive and creative.
  • Ability to pick up new techniques and technologies quickly.
  • Pragmatic while maintaining an attention to detail.
  • Self-directed and capable of working under minimal supervision.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related academic degrees and/or equivalent experience preferred alongside a strong background in software engineering.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

  • Prolonged periods stationary at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Some national and international travel may be required.
  • Some flexibility to work across time zones.
  • Rare but occasional after hours (evening or weekend) work.

The base salary range we’ve established for these positions is (US): $130,000 - $142,000 or (UK) £65,000- £73,000. PLOS also offers a comprehensive benefits package summarized below.

BENEFITS:

US:

  • 401k with employer match
  • Employee sponsored health, dental and vision insurance (Dental and Vision 100% employer paid)
  • Paid Vacation, 11 public holidays and sick leave
  • Parental leave
  • Birthday and three winter holidays days off
  • Short term and long term disability insurance
  • 2 days paid time off for volunteering per year
  • Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office

UK:

  • Private medical insurance
  • Life assurance
  • Income protection
  • Personal accident insurance
  • Pension with up to 10% employer match
  • 25 days holidays, market competitive
  • Maternity and Paternity leave
  • Birthday and three winter holidays days off
  • 2 days paid time off for volunteering per year
  • Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office

About PLOS

Building on a strong legacy of pioneering innovation, PLOS continues to be a catalyst in open science, reimagining models to meet open science principles, removing barriers and promoting inclusion in knowledge creation and sharing, and publishing research outputs that enable everyone to learn from, reuse and build upon scientific knowledge. Our work is supported by a highly skilled global in-house team, partnerships with local scholarly organizations, and the valued contributions of a diverse, international community of scientific researchers.

We’re committed to equal opportunity. We’re working to create a more equitable system of scientific knowledge and understanding. Removing barriers to inclusion and facilitating broad participation of voices is core to our success, inside and out. Beyond accepting distinct perspectives, we seek and support divergent backgrounds among our staff because we know differences strengthen our teams, our work, and our communities. We strongly encourage applicants of all identities to join us as we work towards a future where science is open to all, for all.

Visit plos.org/careers to learn more. To learn more about how PLOS protects your privacy, see our Employee Privacy Notice.

Senior Software Engineer employer: Public Library of Science

PLOS is an exceptional employer that champions open science and fosters a collaborative, fully remote work environment. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances, parental leave, and professional development opportunities, all while promoting a culture of inclusivity and innovation. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the world of research communication, where your contributions will be valued and your growth supported.

Public Library of Science

Contact Details:

Public Library of Science Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend virtual meetups, and engage with communities on platforms like LinkedIn. 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 showcasing your projects, especially those that align with the technologies mentioned in the job description. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. Use platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills. Remember, confidence is key, so the more prepared you are, the better you'll perform!

Tip Number 4

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 PLOS. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with our mission in open science.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer

Software Engineering
Full Stack Development
Google Cloud
Python
React
Kubernetes
BigQuery

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with cloud-native solutions, Python, and any relevant technologies mentioned in the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about open science and how your background aligns with our mission. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate.

Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, whether personal or professional, make sure to include them. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, especially if they involve agile practices or modern tech stacks.

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 gives you a chance to explore more about PLOS and our values!

How to prepare for a job interview at Public Library of Science

Know Your Tech Stack

Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Google Cloud, Python, and React. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud-native architectures and data pipelines, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex problems in software engineering. Think about how you approached challenges, what solutions you implemented, and the impact they had on your projects. This will demonstrate your resilience and creativity.

Emphasise Collaboration

Since this role involves working within a cross-functional team, be ready to share experiences that highlight your ability to collaborate with diverse personalities and functions. Discuss how you’ve contributed to team dynamics and agile ceremonies in the past.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company’s mission and the role itself. Inquire about their approach to open science, platform sustainability, or how they manage technical debt. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values.