Job Description

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a UK technology institute for life sciences, creating innovative technologies that transform our understanding of life. Our technologies, borne out of innovation in physical sciences, create collaborations and new avenues in life science which will lead to new therapeutics and advance our understanding of human biology.



We are seeking a Research Software Engineer to work with our nanobody discovery and advanced research computing teams on the application of machine learning to the selection of single domain antibodies. In this role you will work with both internal and external collaborators and be responsible for developing and benchmarking a computational pipeline incorporating experimental data for the protein engineering of single domain antibodies. The goal is to accelerate the discovery of new anti-viral nanobodies.



As an RSE at the Franklin, you will bring scientific knowledge and skills to deliver a specific research project and/or you will bring independent, creative science, or specific skills to a team delivering a project or program. Through this work, you will build scientific independence, develop new science and leadership skills, and establish a growing reputation externally.

Key Responsibilities

As a Research Software Engineer, you will:


Plan and conduct experiments, analyse and interpret results and supervise delivery of outputs (e.g. research report, patent application) in a scientific/technology area of interest.
Work within a project team, contributing to wider projects around key Challenges.
Lead major contributions to outputs from research including papers, patents and both internal and external presentations.
Support and develop others including day-to-day supervision of students or visitors in areas related to their own research.
Have supervised, staged progression to first stages of scientific independence with opportunities to further develop science and skills/experience.
Enhance your research through collaboration with other researchers and make active contributions to exchanging ideas through your own network.
Be able to understand, interpret, create and communicate appropriately within a research context.
Develop search and discovery skills and techniques.
Be supervised by a Senior Scientist in delivery of research outputs, either in the context of a project or Challenge or as an early career development fellow.

Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role.

This can be found at the bottom of the page.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you did not tick.

In return we offer:

25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
Generous pension scheme (employer's contribution currently up to 18%)
Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)
Hub building with state-of-the-art laboratories
Hybrid and flexible working
Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas
Cycle to Work Scheme
Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)
Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)
Health Cash Plan
Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus
Free on-site parking
Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

The Franklin's underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information,



We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every applicant has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us at recruitment@rfi.ac.uk to discuss your requirements confidentially.



At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we also welcome applications from all around the world!



To be considered for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please include information about your education and work experience.

Closing date:

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on

Friday 31st October 2025.