Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
We are looking for a passionate Software Developer with a keen interest in backend development to join the COSMIC team at Wellcome Sanger Institute.
About the Role:
In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development & modernisation of our websites and provide support for our infrastructure. You will be involved in a groundbreaking project focused on cancer research called COSMIC Mutational Signatures. The project's goal is to reveal the underlying processes that drive the development of cancer.
You will have the chance to contribute to the design and development of a robust, maintainable, and high-performance web application. This opportunity comes with guidance from a Senior/Principal Developer to ensure a supportive learning experience.
The position requires the development and maintenance of software and services supporting the COSMIC Signatures product. This includes contributions to the website, download files, web tools and content management system.
Additionally, the role includes providing support as a web administrator during release events.
Contributions to this project present an opportunity for skill growth as a full-stack developer. It will also allow you to observe the process of product ownership by participating in regular meetings with external collaborators.
About Us:
COSMIC Signatures are a pivotal resource in understanding the development of cancer. Our product is experiencing rapid growth in content, scope, and value. In this role, you will be contributing to the maintenance and expansion of our web services and products to further support the research community. Our contributions have a tangible impact on scientific research and the lives of cancer patients worldwide.
We offer excellent opportunities for applying best practices in software development, emphasising writing clean, well-designed code and adopting a test-driven development approach.
We are located at The Wellcome Sanger Institute in Hinxton, Cambridge, UK - home to one of the world's largest and most sophisticated genome sequencing projects. Many of the most significant breakthroughs in cancer research and genetics in the last 30 years have been associated with this institution. As a member of the COSMIC team, you will have the opportunity to attend bleeding edge talks and seminars, discussing topics in biotechnology, computational biology and genetics.
For more information about COSMIC Signatures, please refer to the following articles:
About You:
You will support with the design and development of robust, maintainable, and performant new and existing COSMIC Signatures Web Application with the guidance of a Senior/Principal Developer.
You will enable software and services for the COSMIC Signatures product such as the COSMIC website, download files, authentication and curation interface as well as new products, updates, features and innovations. You will provide support as a web administrator for release events.
Essential Technical Skills:
A Degree in Computer Science, IT or equivalent industry experience
A sound understanding of software lifecycle delivery and development methods
Proven experience with Python
Proven experience with Django, Django Rest Framework
Knowledge and experience with modern software development practices, including version control, continuous integration, and workflow management tools such as GitLab etc.
Experience with Agile Software Development methods
Experience with relational databases such as MySQL, Oracle or Postgres
Knowledge of designing RESTful APIs
Competencies and Behaviours
Ability to work within a goal oriented team environment
Demonstrable aptitude for logical problem solving and a positive and proactive attitude to learning and development
Has initiative but listens to instructions and willing to seek clarification when required
Enthusiastic approach to web development
Ability to prioritise, manage own workload, and deliver agreed activities consistently on time
Ability to understand issues within a code base and take guidance from Senior Developers to assist in the resolution
Collaborative attitude, asking questions and seeking help from colleagues when needed. Also sharing knowledge
Other Information:
We operate a hybrid working pattern with the requirement of a minimum 2 - 3 days working onsite.
Application Process:
Please apply with your CV and a Cover letter outlining how you meet the technical skills set out above.
Please also indicate in your Covering letter why you want to apply to this role and what value/experience you can bring, addressing the essential technical skills.
Salary per annum: £37,470 to £43,000
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 24th March 2024
Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger:
We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.
We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.
Our Benefits:
We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.
Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018. The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.