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- Tasks: Design and build backend systems for autonomous laboratories, ensuring reliability and data integrity.
- Company: Join Unicorn Biotechnologies, a pioneering tech company in the biotech industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in science and healthcare while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in backend development, particularly with Python and relational databases.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with significant learning opportunities and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 ÂŁ per year.
Anticipated start date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 23rd February 2026
Salary Band: ÂŁ40k - ÂŁ55k (depending on experience)
Full Time, Sheffield, UK
Do you want to build the backend systems that power autonomous laboratories? Do you enjoy designing reliable, high-performance services and data systems that other engineers depend on? Do you want to work at the intersection of software, hardware, and real-world scientific workflows, where correctness actually matters? At Unicorn Biotechnologies, we are building autonomous laboratory systems that combine robotics, biology, and software. We are looking for a Backend Engineer to build the core backend services and data foundations that enable our scientist-facing products and internal tools. You will play a crucial role in building the future of autonomous science, creating tools to help scientists discover and manufacture new medicines and products, and in helping us fulfil our ambition to be one of the largest biotech companies in the world.
WE VALUE
- A bias for action to build products with customer value.
- Engineers who care about what they build, not just how.
- Clear thinking, pragmatism, and sound judgment over buzzwords.
- Friendly, organised, efficient, and enthusiastic people with a can-do attitude.
- People who take responsibility and follow problems through.
- Using the right tools, including AI, to work smarter.
- Low-ego individuals who love asking questions & go above and beyond to help the team succeed.
THE ROLE
As a Backend Engineer at Unicorn, you will be responsible for designing and building the backend systems that support our platform. This role is fundamentally about reliability, data integrity, security, and scalable system design. You will build services, APIs, data models, and supporting infrastructure that enable our full-stack engineers, scientists, and hardware teams to build great products on a trustworthy foundation. You will work closely with our engineering and science teams to define and implement backend systems that support:
- Instrument control and orchestration workflows.
- Data capture, storage, auditability, and traceability.
- Secure user management and permissions.
- Integrations with internal systems (LIMS, ERP, accounting, QC workflows).
- cGxP-adjacent requirements where needed (e.g., CFR Part 11 compliance).
This is a role for someone who enjoys building the “spine” of a product, the systems that must be correct, observable, and dependable. The startup journey is not easy, nor for the faint of heart. You must see this challenge as invigorating rather than intimidating. Your work will be exciting, and the learning opportunities will be significant. Expect to expand your skill set more in a year than many do in five years.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement backend services that support Unicorn’s products and internal tooling.
- Own database design and data modelling (including performance, integrity, migrations, and traceability).
- Build and maintain APIs and service contracts that enable product features.
- Ensure systems are observable, debuggable, and reliable (logging, metrics, monitoring, alerting).
- Secure authentication/authorization and permission systems.
- Support integrations across internal operational systems (e.g., ERP, accounting, LIMS).
- Collaborate with embedded and hardware teams to support instrument workflows and machine data.
- Contribute to cGxP-adjacent compliance efforts when required (audit trails, access controls, electronic records, validation support).
- Identify and reduce technical risk (failure modes, data loss, security issues, operational fragility).
NEED TO HAVE
- A pragmatic, builder’s mindset, you enjoy rapid iteration, fabrication, and practical problem-solving.
- Demonstrated experience building and managing scalable data infrastructure systems.
- Strong proficiency in Python (or equivalent backend language; Python preferred).
- Solid experience working with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL) and data modelling.
- Experience designing and maintaining reliable APIs and backend services.
- Comfort taking ownership of system reliability and technical risk.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with non-software experts.
NICE TO HAVE
- Experience with event-driven systems, async processing, job queues, or workflow orchestration.
- Experience working with time-series data, scientific data, or instrument telemetry.
- Experience in regulated environments (GxP, CFR Part 11, validation, audit trails).
- Familiarity with infrastructure tooling (containers, CI/CD, deployment pipelines, observability).
- Experience interfacing with embedded systems (e.g., C/C++ for machine control or hardware integration).
- Proficiency with AI-assisted software engineering tools (e.g., Cursor, Claude, Gemini).
- Previous experience embedded in a biology laboratory or a scientific research team.
- Comfortable working in small, fast-moving startup environments.
While we consider applicants from any relevant background, you will likely have >3-5 years of industry experience.
BENEFITS
- Join a fast-moving, transformative industry in a high-growth environment.
- The opportunity to work on real systems with real-world impact - your products could help scientists cure deadly diseases like cancer and heart failure.
- Direct influence on product direction and technical decisions.
- Close collaboration with world-class scientists and engineers.
- A culture that values autonomy, responsibility, and thoughtful work.
- You will be based in the UK's greenest city on the doorstep of the Peak District with world-class hiking, biking, running, and climbing, 15 minutes from our custom-built, independently owned R&D centre.
ABOUT US
Unicorn Biotechnologies is building the next generation of autonomous laboratory and bioproduction systems. Our mission is to both accelerate scientific discovery by combining robotics, biology, and software into powerful, easy-to-use platforms and to enable rapid, affordable scale-up to turn bleeding-edge innovations into real-world products that help people. We are an early-stage company. This means moving fast, learning constantly, and taking responsibility, but it also means having real ownership, real influence, and the chance to build something genuinely new and a generational business.
JOIN OUR TEAM
Submit your application here: https://forms.gle/8tmejoeyP4C6YLDaA. Please fill out the application form; however, if you get stuck or have any questions email: careers@unicornb.io. Unicorn Biotechnologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces inclusion and diversity.
Backend Software Engineer Engineering in Sheffield employer: Unicorn Biotech
Contact Detail:
Unicorn Biotech Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Backend Software Engineer Engineering in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on 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 or GitHub repository showcasing your projects and contributions. This is your chance to demonstrate your backend prowess and give potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. Don’t forget to brush up on your problem-solving skills, as they’ll want to see how you tackle real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@unicornb.io. We’re here to help!
We think you need these skills to ace Backend Software Engineer Engineering in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for backend engineering shine through! We want to see how excited you are about building reliable systems that make a real difference in the world of science.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in backend development and data systems. We love seeing specific examples of projects you've worked on, especially those that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clear communication, so avoid jargon and buzzwords. Instead, focus on what you’ve built and how it’s made an impact.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. If you have any questions, just drop us an email!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unicorn Biotech
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Python and relational databases like PostgreSQL. Brush up on your knowledge of APIs and backend services, as you'll likely be asked to discuss your experience with these during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Think about times when you had to ensure system reliability or manage technical risks. This will demonstrate your pragmatic mindset and ability to take ownership of projects.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Unicorn Biotechnologies' mission to accelerate scientific discovery. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to building autonomous laboratory systems and how you align with their values of responsibility and innovation.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current projects, team dynamics, or how they approach compliance in regulated environments. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
