Backend Software Engineer
Genomics England
Backend Software Engineer
Genomics England
Provides NHS genomic testing and research.
Backend Software Engineer - Python
Join Genomics England and use your backend engineering skills to make a difference in genomics and healthcare. We’re looking for an experienced Software Engineer with a demonstrable track record of delivering and owning backend software.
The role
You’ll use your Python expertise to design and develop scalable backend services, REST APIs and cloud-native applications on AWS. Working across databases, microservices and identity management solutions, you’ll deliver secure, reliable platforms.
Your work will help build and evolve products that support genomic testing, clinical decision making and research at national scale. You’ll contribute to the systems and services that enable large-scale genomic research in a collaborative, supportive and empowering environment.
Your team
You’ll join the Interpretation Portal (IP) team and provide software engineering expertise for the Decision Support System (DSS). DSS is a key component of our Healthcare Genomics Service.
Your responsibilities
Backend development and feature ownership
Lead feature development across the team.
Design and develop scalable, high-quality Python software following best practices.
Design, develop and maintain REST APIs for internal and external integrations.
Cloud infrastructure, data and identity
Design and maintain resources hosted on AWS, ensuring reliability and efficiency.
Work with relational databases, including AWS RDS and SQL-based solutions.
Support and integrate identity and access management solutions, including Okta and other Identity Providers (IdPs).
Quality and troubleshooting
Build and enhance test automation frameworks to support robust, reliable applications.
Troubleshoot and help resolve issues during development and testing.
Collaboration and continuous learning
Work closely with front-end developers, QA and Platform Engineers to create reliable, seamless solutions.
Use tools such as GitLab, Confluence and Jira to support collaborative development.
Collaborate with third-party suppliers to create technical specifications.
Stay informed about industry trends and embrace new technologies.
Skills and experience for success
Python: expertise in developing scalable solutions.
AWS and architecture: experience with AWS services, including IAM, and microservice architectures.
Databases: experience with relational databases and SQL, ideally Postgres.
REST APIs: experience designing, developing and consuming APIs.
Identity and authentication: experience integrating with platforms such as Okta or similar Identity Providers (IdPs).
Development practices: familiarity with agile methodologies and test-driven development.
Teamwork and problem solving: a proactive, collaborative approach supported by collaborative tools.
Additional skills we’d love to see
Experience with Amazon API Gateway, ECS, Fargate and Lambda.
Experience with test automation frameworks.
Familiarity with front-end React development, knowledge of JavaScript for front-end applications, or a willingness to learn.
A strong understanding of code review best practices.
Experience mentoring and/or coaching junior team members.
Make a difference
Use your Python and backend engineering skills to build the systems, services and platforms that enable genomic medicine and research at national scale. If you want your work to directly support life-changing genomic research and healthcare innovation, we’d love to hear from you.
BSc in Computer Science or equivalent experience
Closing date for applications: Friday 20th November at 23:00 (UK time)
Salary from: £73,500 per annum
Please note:we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Being an integral part of such a meaningful mission is extremely rewarding in itself, but in order to support our people, we’re continually improving our benefits package. We pride ourselves on investing in our people and supporting them to achieve their career goals, as well as offering a benefits package including:
Equal opportunities and our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace
Genomics England is actively committed to providing and supporting an inclusive environment that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion best practice both within our community and in any other area where we have influence. We are proud of our diverse community where everyone can come to work and feel welcomed and treated with respect regardless of any disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or social background.
Genomics England’s policies of non-discrimination and equity and will be applied fairly to all people, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, being pregnant or recently becoming a parent, race, religion or beliefs, sex or sexual orientation, length of service, whether full or part-time or employed under a permanent or a fixed-term contract or any other relevant factor.
Genomics England does not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying at work. Such behaviour undermines our mission and core values and diminishes the dignity, respect and integrity of all parties. Our People policies outline our commitment to inclusivity.
We aim to remove barriers in our recruitment processes and to be flexible with our interview processes. Should you require any adjustments that may help you to fully participate in the recruitment process, we encourage you to discuss this with us.
Culture
We have four key behaviours that represent what we would like Genomics England to feel like and the culture we want to encourage, in order for us to achieve our mission. These behaviours help us all work well together, deliver on our outcomes, celebrate our successes and share feedback with each other. You can read about these and other aspects of our culture here Culture | Genomics England
Blended working model
Genomics England operates a blended working model as we know our people appreciate the flexibility that hybrid working can bring. We expect most people to come into the office a minimum of 2 times each month. However, this will vary according to role and will be agreed with your team leader. There is no expectation that people will return to the office full time unless they want to, however, some of our roles require full time on site attendance e.g., lab teams, reception team.
Our teams and squads have, and will continue to reflect on what works best for them to work together successfully and have the freedom to design working patterns to suit, beyond the minimum. Our office locations are: Canary Wharf, Cambridge and Leeds.
Onboarding background checks
As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates are subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We therefore require applicants to disclose any previous offences at point of application, as some unspent convictions may mean we are unable to proceed with your application due to the nature of our work in healthcare.
Provides NHS genomic testing and research.
Genomics England partners with the NHS to bring genomic healthcare into routine care and provide data and technology for researchers. It runs a national program that collects and analyzes genetic data with advanced technology to compare genomes, helping doctors diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and enabling researchers to develop better therapies. It combines a government-backed national effort with NHS clinical care to build a large, unique genomic dataset and turn discoveries into real-world tests and tools. Its goal is to make genomic healthcare available to everyone who needs it, while accelerating research for faster, more precise treatments.
Explore more opportunities at Genomics England