Principal Software Engineer

About us

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.

About the role

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 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.

For a full job description please visit UCL’s online recruitment portal (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs) and search using vacancy reference B02-10537. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.

About you

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.

What we offer

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 https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

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. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/equality-diversity-inclusion 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.

Customer advert reference: B02-10537

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