Software Engineer (Remote)

WHO WE ARE

Parse Biosciences is a global life sciences company whose mission is to accelerate progress in human health and scientific research. Empowering researchers to perform single cell sequencing with unprecedented scale and ease, our pioneering approach has enabled groundbreaking discoveries in cancer treatment, tissue repair, stem cell therapy, kidney and liver disease, brain development, and the immune system.

Founded based on a transformative technology invented at the University of Washington, Parse has raised over $100 million and is used by over 2,500 labs across the world. Research progress is currently limited by a major bottleneck in the data analysis process: it is available only for those with engineering and bioinformatics skills.

THE ENGINEERING

We’ve built the most popular, freely available cloud-based platform for single cell RNA sequencing data analysis - Trailmaker. Trailmaker allows anyone to easily turn their single cell datasets into meaningful biology, shortening the analysis time from 6 months to 1 week. With >1000 monthly active users from top tier research institutions across the world, we’re offering a rare opportunity to join our team and change the world by building tools that help to improve human health.

The user requirements for Trailmaker dictate a unique set of technical challenges. Handling big data files, running custom data processing pipelines, on-the-fly computation, and providing interactive data visualisations with millions of data points are just some of the challenges our team is busy with!

Trailmaker consists of a React-based UI, API written in Node.js and a backend written in Python and R that computes analysis tasks. Everything is deployed via an automated CI/CD pipeline (Github Actions) to an AWS-managed Kubernetes cluster. 

THE POSITION

As a Software Engineer within the Trailmaker development team, you will work closely with other team members to architect and build new features in order to increase the number of engaged users of the platform. There is no division between backend, frontend or testing roles - each engineer contributes to any part of the codebase and is responsible for the entire development process from work planning, through implementation and writing tests to completing the feature. As a core member of a small team, you will help us shape our engineering culture and processes. 

YOU CAN EXPECT

• An agile, diverse and multidisciplinary team.
• A supportive, inclusive and transparent working environment where team mates learn from and help each other all the time.
• A place to look at things differently, challenge and offer solutions.
• A startup environment where you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact and actively drive change in the technology, direction and culture.
• A fast-paced environment of continuous improvement, optimized for impact and velocity.

FOR THIS POSITION, WE LOOK FOR

Someone who loves collaboration and building software and has done it multiple times before. No previous knowledge of biology or bioinformatics is required. This position is for full time, 100% remote work. We would expect you to:

• Always put the user first.
• Be an active participant and decision-maker during technical discussions.
• Be passionate and empathetic - you fall in love with problems, not solutions. You’re a doer, and a helper.
• Create, refine and improve development processes together with the team.
• Champion and evangelize the agile development methodology.
• Take pride in your work.
• Think like an owner.
• Experiment, test, try, fail and learn continuously.
• Help and mentor team mates.
• Have experience and desire to work as part of a close-knit team.

FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST HAVE

• A degree in computer science (or similar) plus >1 year working experience OR at least 3 years equivalent working experience.
• Experience working in a team that rapidly ships high-quality software that solves important problems.
• Proficiency in at least two programming languages, including Python and JavaScript.
• Knowledge of container-based cloud applications, ideally on AWS.
• Significant professional experience and knowledge of web development.
• Significant experience in conducting code reviews and providing feedback to others.

JOB CONDITIONS

• This position is home office based and will require a reliable internet connection and suitable workspace to fulfill job duties effectively. Laptop and any other essential technical/home office equipment will be provided.
• Regular communication and collaboration with team members will occur virtually through Zoom meetings, Slack instant messaging/huddles, and email.

Parse Biosciences is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.