At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a data-driven research platform to combat dementia.
- Company: Join the UK Dementia Research Institute, a leader in neurodegenerative research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent benefits package.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for international applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in dementia research while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in software engineering, data science, and web development required.
The predicted salary is between 68284 - 74166 € per year.
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of over 900 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia. The UK DRI Core Informatics team serves as the core for the UK DRI national informatics programme. The team enhances data access, training, partnerships, and technical capacity for researchers, fostering data sharing and boosting data science capabilities across the national institute. The team is currently based at UCL and interacts closely with the UK DRI at UCL centre staff.
We are excited to welcome an enthusiastic and experienced Software Engineer to our team. You will lead the ongoing development and maintenance of DataMap, a data-driven research software platform designed to extract knowledge from biological datasets and incorporate it into a knowledge graph. You will work across backend services, frontend applications, graph data models, databases, observability, and Kubernetes to ensure the platform remains robust, scalable, usable, and aligned with research needs.
The role requires someone who can operate as both a strong hands-on engineer and a technical lead: translating requirements from UK DRI researchers into production-quality software, improving architecture and engineering practices, and supporting long-term sustainability of the platform. The post is available immediately and is funded by the UK DRI until 31 March 2028 in the first instance. This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 20% of time on site.
You should have professional software engineering experience with a focus on data science or data-intensive applications, in-depth experience designing and developing APIs and backend services, and hands-on experience in web UI development using React and TypeScript. Strong hands-on experience with Python web frameworks, proven experience working with graph databases (especially Neo4j) and a working knowledge of cloud or cloud-native systems (including AWS, Azure, or Kubernetes) is essential. A good understanding of production software systems across development, deployment, and maintenance lifecycles, and the ability to take ownership of a complex technical platform and drive work independently, are also needed for this role.
This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.
Starting salary offered in the range of £68,284 - £74,166 per annum including London Allowance. As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits; visit here to find out more.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit here for more information.
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. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; visit here for more information about what we're doing. 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+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.
Principal Software Engineer employer: UCL
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and innovative work environment at UCL, where you can contribute to groundbreaking research in neurodegenerative disorders. With a strong commitment to employee growth, diversity, and inclusion, the institute provides excellent benefits and opportunities for hybrid working, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in the field of dementia research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the UK DRI or similar organisations on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving data science and software engineering. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can contribute to the DataMap platform.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview by preparing for technical questions related to APIs, backend services, and graph databases. Brush up on your Python and React skills, and be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail.
✨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 the team at UK DRI.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Software Engineer. Highlight your experience with data science, APIs, and any relevant technologies like React and TypeScript. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with the UK DRI and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the team. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to mention them! Whether it's a personal project or something from your previous job, we want to see how you've applied your skills in real-world scenarios. It helps us understand your hands-on experience.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at the UK DRI. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Python web frameworks, React, TypeScript, and graph databases like Neo4j. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud systems too, as they’ll likely ask you about your experience with AWS or Kubernetes.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you tackled them. The interviewers will want to see your thought process and how you translate complex requirements into effective software solutions.
✨Understand the Research Context
Familiarise yourself with the UK Dementia Research Institute's mission and current projects. Being able to relate your technical skills to their research goals will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how you can contribute to their objectives.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or future challenges they foresee. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations.
