Scientific Software Engineer

We are recruiting for a talented and experienced Scientific Software Engineer to help develop a novel sensing platform for environmental monitoring. 

As a Scientific Software Engineer, you will work to build software solutions for hardware integration and data analysis within Mode Labs’ core platform technology. You will work to design, build and test hardware control and acquisition software of an optical-based analytical instrument. You will be working within an interdisciplinary team of engineers developing our first commercial product. 

Within the technical team, you will:

§  Drive the design, development, testing and maintenance of the core control and acquisition software for Mode Labs’ sensor platform.

§  Develop software for hardware automation and programming of microcontrollers (i.e. raspberry Pi, Arduino etc.)

§  Develop data analysis and visualisation tools for real-time data interpretation and offline analysis.

§  Provide rapid debugging and response to technical problems. 

§  Take ownership of the software development pipeline and provide concise technical project plans and reporting of progress. 

§  Maintain comprehensive software documentation, manage version control and a bug/ issue tracking system. 

We aim to build a diverse, collaborative and cross-functional team with a passion for root-cause analysis and solving complex technical problems. We are looking for experienced hires with a high level of technical and practical experience within the product development space. Backgrounds in the development of analytical, optical and/or microfluidic instruments is desirable. 

You will have a technical background in software development for scientific instrumentation with a degree or equivalent industrial experience in physical sciences who will thrive working as part of a small passionate team.

You will be able to demonstrate that you have the following (essential experience): 

§  Several years of relevant industrial experience in the development of software for the automation, data acquisition and control of scientific instrumentation.   

§  Experience in designing and implementing data analysis and visualisation tools. 

§  Proven experience in development applications including hardware automation.

§  A high level of professional Python programming skills.

§  Good working knowledge of C++ (within Qt or other) programming and embedded software programming of microcontrollers, e.g. Arduino, Raspberry Pi. 

§  Working knowledge of electronics, software and optics domains.

§  Adaptability and a proactive mindset to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

Senior positions may be considered for those who also have (additional experience):

§  A higher-level degree or relevant experience in spectroscopy and optics.

§  Experience in scientific analysis programming in the field of optics/ spectroscopy.

§  Experience in PCB development, defining specifications for electronics control systems and liaising with external electronics suppliers. 

§  Experience in functional user interface design. 

§  Experience in IoT and telemetry systems integration.

§  Experience working in an SME/ Start-up environment. 

Salary:

Salary will be dependent upon level of skill and experience. We therefore anticipate the following:

§  £48k – £54k for applicants with experience working within a research or technical environment with the essential experience required.

§  £54k – £60k for applicants who can also demonstrate the additional experience listed above. 

Other Benefits: 

§  Employee share option scheme

§  Optional 9-day fortnight work pattern

§  Flexible working arrangements where possible

§  25 days paid leave and bank holidays

§  Annual discretionary training allowance

§  Company matched pension contributions up to 5%. 

§  Travel to work loan scheme

These roles are advertised as full-time, however, part-time would be considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE. We are pleased to accommodate flexible and hybrid working where appropriate but, as a small company focussed on technology development, we find hands-on system and collaboration time to be highly valuable, so encourage time spent in the office and expect this when required.

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Job Closing Date: Until position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as received so this vacancy may be closed earlier; early applications are therefore encouraged.

Interview Dates: Starting 6th January 2025

Interview Process: Initial telephone/ video calls will be used for shortlisting candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. The in-person interview may include a short technical assessment based on the above job description or a short presentation of previous experience. Candidates will be informed in advance of this.

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Our Company

Mode Labs, a spin-out from the University of Oxford, are developing an innovative remote autonomous chemical sensor platform to address the growing need to understand and monitor the world around us.

As part of our initial mission, Mode Labs are targeting the development of a remotely deployable sensor to act within the water quality market and address the unmet and growing needs of environmental legislation across the country and beyond. Our Vision is to bring chemical understanding outside of the laboratory, delivering clear and concise measurement data where it is needed most. Precision sensing, anytime, anywhere.