Job Description

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Rare Genetic Disorders Research Group led by Prof. Stephan Sanders in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford as a Full Stack Software Developer.

The group aims to identify, understand, and develop therapies for rare genetic disorders. The group is primarily computational but partners with multiple international labs (including Harvard, Yale, UC San Francisco [UCSF], and the New York Genome Center) to co-design experiments and generate novel datasets, including exome/genome sequencing of hundreds of thousands of individuals, large-scale single-cell data from primary human tissues, spatial transcriptomic data, and experimental genomic screens.

As a Software Developer, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining software systems to support these research projects. This includes building data pipelines, developing algorithms, and ensuring that data is stored efficiently and is accessible to all team members and external collaborators. You will be working in a highly collaborative environment, contributing directly to research outputs, and ensuring that the group's software resources are functioning optimally.

The Software Developer will be part of an interdisciplinary team working across sites at both Oxford and UCSF. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to world-class research in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in neurological diseases, drug development, haematology, and immunology, neuroimaging. The group led by Prof. Stephan Sanders is based in the recently formed Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) in a brand-new building at the Old Road Churchill Campus.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially until 31 December 2026 with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

This role meets the criteria for a UK Skilled Worker visa.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.

We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.

About you

This position would suit a highly motivated individual with strong programming skills and a passion for developing software that facilitates world-leading research. You will need to have experience in designing, developing, and maintaining software systems, particularly those supporting data management and computational workflows in a research setting.

Applicants should hold a relevant Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, with proven experience in software development. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python is essential, and experience working with high-performance computing or cloud-based environments is desirable. Experience with data management and analysis in a scientific context will be an advantage.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.

To discuss the post in more detail, please Stephan Sanders, the group leader using the contact details below

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 6th June 2025 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.