Principal Software Developer (Part Time, Fixed Term)

The MRC Epidemiology Unit is seeking to appoint a Principal Software Developer. This position is based in the Unit's Digital Tools Team.

The principal software developer's primary focus is to maintain and further develop the innovative open-source, web-based research tool, Intake24, used to collect and process information about what people eat and drink. We provide Intake24 for major research initiatives including the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme and support new adaptation for use in different populations and settings (e.g., South Asia). The successful candidate will join team of intake24 developers, work closely work with the Dietary Assessment Platform researchers, and across different project teams to create, support and maintain tools that collect, store and process data.

The Principal Software Developer will have extensive experience working with Intake24. The Principal Software Developer will be full-stack Typescript proficient engineer, responsible for designing and maintaining RESTful APIs, developing frontend web-based clients (consuming in-house or 3rd party APIs), while ensuring high code quality through version control system, code reviews, automated tests, and CI pipelines. The role will reach beyond full-stack to DevOps culture. The knowledge of automation tools (e.g., Ansible) is highly desirable and experience with cloud-based deployments would be beneficial for the role holder. Further, the role will require the use of general programming expertise (experience with other programming languages like Python or PHP is beneficial) and knowledge of relational databases (e.g., Postgres or MySQL) to configure, develop and maintain different research applications alongside carrying out data processing tasks.

Alongside a competitive salary, University staff are eligible for a comprehensive package of benefits and services include discounts on shopping, health care, financial services and public transport. We also offer defined benefits pension schemes and tax-efficient bicycle, car lease and charity-giving schemes.

The MRC Epidemiology Unit is a department within the University of Cambridge's School of Clinical Medicine and is situated within the Institute of Metabolic Science on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Its mission is to study the genetic, developmental and environmental factors that cause obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders and develop strategies for their prevention. The Unit benefits from a number of large-scale, cross programme epidemiological studies with detailed datasets allowing a wide range of research from genetics to public health. Highly experienced information teams and other specialist teams support the scientists in the delivery of their research aims.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 5 years in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the Apply button above.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.