Scientific Software Engineer

If you’re a software engineer who enjoys building high-quality applications, has an interest in biology and experience working with biological data, and wants to work on tools that enable scientists to explore complex data and generate meaningful insights, this is your opportunity to join OBT as a Scientific Software Engineer. We look forward to hearing from you!

About Oxford Biotherapeutics (OBT)

Oxford Biotherapeutics (OBT) is a clinical‑stage biotechnology company developing innovative antibody‑based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. You will contribute directly to the pre‑clinical development of our immuno‑oncology pipeline.

Our proprietary OGAP® platform, the world’s largest cancer‑specific membrane protein library enables the discovery of novel, highly tumour‑specific antigens for first‑in‑class ADC, Bispecific T‑cell Engager (BITE®), and CAR‑based therapeutics. Our lead asset, OBT076, is in Phase 1b clinical development, supported by a strong internal and partnered pipeline with leaders such as Roche, GSK, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Zymeworks.

Learn more at www.oxfordbiotherapeutics.com.

Introduction to the role

We are seeking a Scientific Software Engineer to design, build, and evolve applications and systems for scientific data interrogation and analysis, with a strong focus on biological and bioinformatics data workflows. This role sits at the intersection of software engineering, bioinformatics, and data science, supporting research and drug discovery through robust, scalable software solutions.

This is a highly hands‑on role where you will work closely with bioinformaticians, data scientists, and biologists to develop tools that enable the exploration and interpretation of complex biological datasets. You will play a key role in improving scientific workflows through better data access, automation, and system integration.
The position requires someone who can work independently, take ownership of systems end‑to‑end, and proactively identify opportunities where software can enhance the way science is conducted across the organisation.
This role is primarily on-site at the Oxford Science Park, with an expectation of at least four days per week in the office to support close collaboration with scientific teams.

Key Responsibilities

Application Development

• Design and develop internal applications and web-based tools for interrogating biological and biomedical data.
• Build user interfaces using JavaScript / TypeScript and React.
• Develop applications, services, and APIs using .NET.
• Build integrations to external APIs and data providers (commercial, public, and internal scientific resources).
• Deliver maintainable, well-tested, production-quality software suitable for a research‑critical environment.

Data & Database Engineering

• Build data-access layers from existing scientific datasets.

Collaboration, Ownership & Delivery

• Work closely with bioinformaticians and data scientists to co‑develop applications and AI‑powered tools.
• Operate effectively within Agile development methodologies, participating in sprint planning, refinement, and reviews.
• Use Jira for backlog management, task tracking, and delivery planning.
• Take ownership of initiatives from initial idea through delivery, adoption, and long‑term maintenance.
• Proactively identify gaps, inefficiencies, or opportunities where new tools, systems, or integrations would benefit scientists.
• Mentor junior developers and scientists in software engineering good practice.

Required Skills & Experience

• BSc or MSc in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience working with biological, biomedical, or life‑science data.
• Strong, hands‑on experience with:
  • .NET
  • JavaScript / TypeScript and React
  • Working knowledge of Python
• Proven experience working within Agile development methodologies, including use of Jira.
• Proven ability to design, build and maintain production-quality software systems.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and drive development proactively.
• Strong communication skills and experience collaborating in cross‑disciplinary scientific teams.
• Solid grounding in software engineering fundamentals including version control, testing, documentation, and maintainability.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with Microsoft Azure or other cloud platforms (AWS, GCP).
• Experience with graph databases and graph-based data modelling.
• Experience contributing to AI/ML-enabled tools in a scientific or data-driven environment.
• Experience mentoring others or acting as a technical lead or point of reference.
• Experience with C#

Benefits Offered

• Private health care (Bupa) 

• Health Cash Plan 

• Generous pension scheme with potential employer contribution of up to 10% (based on match contributions) 

• Discretionary annual bonus scheme 

• Free onsite parking 

• Office snacks 

• Enhanced holiday entitlement above statutory minimum plus public holidays  

• Employee Referral Bonus Program 

• Annual training budget for professional development 

• New hire share options 

• Team building events and activities 
  

Equal Opportunities Statement 

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all employees and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. 

Why Join Us 

At OBT, we foster a culture of innovation, ownership, and collaboration. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we aim to develop novel therapies to address some of the most challenging diseases.

Our people describe our environment as friendly, collaborative, and driven. We are committed to creating a workplace where individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered to contribute built on a foundation of trust, creativity, and mutual respect.