Software Engineer (Life Sciences)
Welcome to Next Phase Recruitment! Please use the above link to see our current jobs that match your search criteria. For a broader job search, please visit the home page or call us on 01403 216216 to discuss c
Welcome to Next Phase Recruitment! Please use the above link to see our current jobs that match your search criteria. For a broader job search, please visit the home page or call us on 01403 216216 to discuss career options in other areas of Life Science and Technology.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers in the life sciences sector develop, test, and maintain software systems that support critical scientific workflows in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare technology. Their work enables researchers, clinicians, and production teams to operate efficiently, access data securely, and comply with regulatory standards.
A Software Engineer’s role typically involves:
Designing and building scientific applications – This can include systems for laboratory automation, data visualization, clinical trial management, or real-time monitoring of manufacturing processes.
Integrating with scientific instruments and databases – Engineers ensure seamless data capture from lab instruments (e.g., mass spectrometers, sequencers) and build connections to databases used for bioinformatics, compound libraries, or patient data.
Implementing secure, compliant systems – In regulated environments, software must comply with GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, and ISO standards. Engineers develop audit trails, user authentication protocols, and robust documentation.
Developing APIs and user interfaces – Many Software Engineers build APIs that support data sharing between systems, as well as intuitive front-end interfaces for scientists and operations teams.
Collaborating across disciplines – Software Engineers work alongside scientists, data analysts, QA professionals, and regulatory teams to ensure their systems meet technical and scientific requirements.
Areas of specialization may include:
Bioinformatics Software Development – For tools that process NGS or proteomics data.
Clinical Systems Engineering – Creating platforms for trial monitoring, EDC, or ePRO systems.
Lab Informatics – Supporting LIMS/ELN systems and integration with lab instruments.
Embedded Systems – Engineering firmware and software for medical devices or diagnostics hardware.
Strong candidates typically have experience with languages such as Python, Java, C#, or JavaScript, and familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure), database technologies, and DevOps workflows.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain.
The global cell and gene therapy market was valued at $6.68 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $13.23 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 24.10% (Ref. BusinessWire).Also in 2019, a joint report from The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) and the BioIndustry Association (BIA) stated that the UK is a leading source of innovation and development of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) in Europe. These products, which include gene therapies, cell therapies, and tissue-engineered products, are intended to augment, repair, replace, or regenerate organs, tissues, cells, genes, and metabolic processes within the body. Scotland has a strong reputation in research & translational development in these fields and is rapidly growing a vibrant cluster of spin-out therapeutic companies, increasing clinical trials of new Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) as well as expanding its manufacturing capability.
Scotland also has established expertise in developing and manufacturinghuman vaccines(the global market projected to grow to $96b by 2023 according to Business Research Company) and animal vaccines (worth $9b by 2025 – Global Market Insights, Inc).
Scotland’s profile and contribution towards the growth of the UK ATMP sector is increasing rapidly. A strengthening supply chain is supporting new advanced therapy applications – fuelled by world-leading academic expertise in cell & gene therapy and regenerative medicine,. With a forward focus on translation, specialised clinical trials, and GMP manufacture and analysis, Scotland is growing a vibrant infrastructure to support end-to-end development of advanced therapies.
Human and animal vaccine development is a strength in Scotland represented by companies such as Valneva, Neogen, and GalvMed as well as the Moredun Research Institute. In addition to Valneva’s Covid-19 Vaccine programme, Scotland’s supply chain made huge contributions to the development of Covid-19 vaccines including Merck BioReliance, Charles River, Symbiosis, SGS, Ingenza & ReproCell Europe.
One of the largest life sciences clusters in Europe, Scotland is home to a range of multinationals and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a strong track record of creating and growing startups.
Scotland has comprehensive supply chains and world class manufacturing expertise supplying chemical and healthcare equipment, pharmaceutical services, medicines, vaccines and diagnostics to the world.
The cluster continues its rapid expansion building on a strong industry base, leading universities with a thriving entrepreneurial culture and close collaborations across industry, academia, the National Health Service and government.
Scotland is a great place to further your career in life sciences. If you are a looking for pharmaceutical jobs in Scotland, scientific careers in Scotland or want to discuss cell therapy, gene therapy, ATMP, medical device, technology, biotech or pharmaceutical job opportunities in Scotland, give our Next Phase team a call. The Scottish area is continuing to expand as a centre for jobs in science, process development, technology, software development, project management, informatics, quality, reg affairs and supply chain.
At Next Phase we help people find new jobs in life sciences across the UK, Europe and USA. This page lists some of the job opportunities in Scotland, and if you give us a call we can also talk to you about other scientific jobs, pharmaceutical career opportunities and the latest updates in cell and gene therapy and ATMP development in the Scottish area.
