At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop software tools for merging in-vivo and ex-vivo data in neuroscience research.
- Company: Join the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, a leader in brain research and innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, state-of-the-art facilities, and UCL benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive environment encouraging diverse applicants and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience with cutting-edge technology and collaborative teams.
- Qualifications: Strong Python programming skills and experience in bioimage analysis.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) brings together world-leading scientists to investigate how brain circuits process information to generate perception, form memories and guide behaviour. Developed through the vision and partnership of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome, and with substantial investment from these partners, the mission of the SWC is to generate experimentally testable theories of brain function. The Centre comprises 13 highly interdisciplinary experimental research groups accommodated in a new, purpose-designed building, offering an outstanding and unparalleled research environment. SWC scientists use a broad spectrum of the latest advances in molecular and cellular biology, imaging, electrophysiology and behavioural techniques and enjoy state-of-the-art research laboratories, cutting-edge scientific equipment, technologically-advanced prototyping and fabrication laboratories and custom in-house high-performance computing facilities.
About the role
We are inviting applications for a Senior Research Software Engineer to be based in the Advanced Microscopy Facility, working with the laboratories of Tom Mrsic-Flogel, Marcus Stephenson-Jones, Sonja Hofer and Tim Behrens in collaboration with the Neuroinformatics Unit. In-vivo functional calcium imaging is used extensively to study neural activity in behaving animals. The imaged neurons fall into a variety of cell types with different connectivity patterns and different roles in neural circuitry. However, although of cellular resolution, functional imaging data carry little information about cell type and therefore lack significant contextual information. We can anatomically extract the imaged region post-hoc and conduct ex-vivo labelling using fluorescent markers that bind to RNA and convey information about cell type. However, we lack a robust and easy to use software toolset for merging the in-vivo functional data with the ex-vivo transcriptomics cell-type data. You will be responsible for developing the missing software toolkit in collaboration with software engineers within and beyond the Centre. You will develop optimised algorithms for interactive image registration, annotation, and data curation. These algorithms will be brought together into a unified graphical interface, allowing users to perform interactive registration and quality controls checks. This post is funded until September 2028 in the first instance with the possibility of extension subject to grant funding.
About you
You will have strong programming skills in Python along with extensive experience working with numerical data such as images and timeseries. The ideal candidate will have experience in general bioimage analysis, in particular image registration and feature extraction. You should have a strong interest in building easy-to-use software to help advance neuroscience and be comfortable working in teams of researchers and software engineers. The ideal candidate will have experience of good software engineering best practices and working on, and with open-source software.
What we offer
The post is based in London, suitable for hybrid working with a minimum of 40% of time onsite. As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents SWC offers staff an award winning work environment with state of the art facilities an on site brassiere and access to pleasant outdoor spaces. SWC staff receive the full range of UCL benefits.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Senior Research Software Engineer (Omics) in London employer: Society of Research Software Engineering
The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation in neuroscience research. With state-of-the-art facilities in London, employees benefit from a hybrid working model, access to award-winning amenities, and a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. SWC prioritises employee growth through interdisciplinary collaboration and provides opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking research while enjoying a supportive and inclusive environment.
Contact Details:
Society of Research Software Engineering Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Software Engineer (Omics) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at SWC on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Python skills and bioimage analysis techniques. We want to demonstrate our expertise and passion for neuroscience during those crucial moments!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our collaborative spirit! Be ready to discuss past projects where we worked with teams of researchers and software engineers. Highlighting our teamwork will resonate well with SWC's culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our supporting statement to match what SWC is looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Software Engineer (Omics) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how your programming skills in Python and experience with bioimage analysis make you the perfect fit for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to showcase how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria. This is your chance to tell us why you're passionate about neuroscience and software development!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since collaboration is key in our environment, mention any previous experiences where you've worked effectively in teams. We love seeing candidates who can thrive alongside researchers and engineers alike.
Follow Application Guidelines:Be sure to follow the application instructions carefully. Upload only the required documents and avoid additional attachments, as they won't be considered. We appreciate attention to detail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Society of Research Software Engineering
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your programming skills, especially in Python. Be ready to discuss your experience with numerical data, image registration, and feature extraction. The interviewers will likely want to see how your technical expertise aligns with the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Neuroscience
Express your genuine interest in neuroscience and how software can advance the field. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for building user-friendly tools that contribute to research.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with researchers and other software engineers, be prepared to discuss your teamwork experiences. Highlight instances where you've successfully collaborated on projects, especially in interdisciplinary settings.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Open-Source Practices
As the ideal candidate should have experience with open-source software, make sure you understand good software engineering practices. Be ready to talk about any contributions you've made to open-source projects or how you’ve implemented best practices in your work.
