Overview
Join us at Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT). We translate scientific discovery into real‑world impact, tackling humanity’s greatest challenges across four transformative areas: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology; Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture; Climate Change & Managing CO₂; Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.
Pathogen Project
The Pathogen Project exemplifies EIT’s dedication to ground‑breaking science. It seeks to transform pathogen risk management, detection and response by leveraging Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)-based metagenomic and pathogen‑specific analytical tools. The goal is to power metagenomic devices using long‑read sequencing technologies, building a comprehensive pathogen database to inform response. Enabled by Oracle Inc.’s cloud computing scale and security, the Project is advancing toward certified diagnostic tools for deployment in laboratories, hospitals and public health organisations worldwide.
Your Role
We are seeking an experienced, detailed‑oriented Instrumentation Software Engineer to help shape the future of diagnostic technology within our applied sequencing team. In this role you will design and develop control software, firmware and embedded applications that bring laboratory instrumentation to life, enabling real-time coordination of pumps, valves, sensors and actuators within a cutting‑edge point‑of‑care metagenomic sequencing platform.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, implement and maintain control software, firmware and automation systems for in‑house laboratory instruments.
* Integrate hardware and software, ensuring seamless communication between electrical, mechanical, fluidic and computational subsystems.
* Develop and test embedded control logic for pumps, valves, sensors and actuators used in microfluidic and diagnostic instrumentation.
* Implement and maintain device communication protocols (serial, I²C, SPI, Modbus, CAN, TCP/IP).
* Develop telemetry and data logging systems to capture and visualise real‑time operational data.
* Collaborate with the Electrical Instrumentation Engineer to ensure software and hardware systems operate cohesively.
* Test, validate and debug software and firmware on prototype instruments to ensure reliability and accuracy.
* Write clear documentation, including inline comments, user manuals and design notes to support maintainability and reproducibility.
* Conduct code reviews, write unit tests and participate in CI/CD workflows to maintain high‑quality, traceable software.
* Support integration testing and verification within the full instrument stack, from benchtop setups to deployed prototypes.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Degree or equivalent experience in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a related discipline.
* Proven experience developing software for instrumentation, automation or data acquisition systems.
* Practical experience testing software‑hardware stacks, including benchtop and deployed systems.
* Experience developing in embedded or Linux‑based environments integrating real‑world I/O and instrumentation hardware.
* Proficiency in Python, C or C++ (experience with other embedded or control languages also welcome).
* Familiarity with sensors, actuators and control interfaces, including analogue and digital I/O.
* Strong debugging and problem‑solving skills, particularly for hardware‑software interaction and timing issues.
* Commitment to maintainable, reliable and well‑documented code, with version control (e.g., Git).
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Experience in multidisciplinary R&D environments, particularly laboratory automation or diagnostic instrumentation.
* Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools (Jira, Confluence).
* Experience with validation and verification processes for production‑level or regulated software.
* Ability to analyse system performance, optimise control loops and identify design bottlenecks.
* Familiarity with embedded computing systems, real‑time operating systems (RTOS) or microcontroller platforms.
* Understanding of networked instruments, telemetry or data streaming architectures.
Key Attributes
* Hands‑on engineer who enjoys connecting hardware and software to solve complex technical challenges.
* Collaborative and communicative, able to work effectively across engineering and scientific teams.
* Analytical and methodical, approaching problem‑solving with structure and rigour.
* Detail‑focused and conscientious, with high standards for code quality and documentation.
* Adaptable and proactive, thriving in a dynamic, experimental R&D environment.
* Strong time management, balancing concurrent software tasks within multidisciplinary projects.
Benefits
* Enhanced holiday pay
* Pension
* Life Assurance
* Income Protection
* Private Medical Insurance
* Hospital Cash Plan
* Therapy Services
* Perk Box
* Electrical Car Scheme
Working Together – What It Involves
* You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. In certain cases, sponsorship can be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
* You will live in, or be willing to relocate to, Oxford or within easy commuting distance.
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