Lead Computer Scientist - Software Development


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£57,528 - £64,750
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Southampton, SO16 6YD
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	21 Aug 2026
Closing date:	2 Sept 2026

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Summary

This successful candidates will be responsible for: Leading the software development life cycle of bespoke healthcare software, with an emphasis on JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python, for client and server environments Establishing and maintaining robust design, version control, and quality assurance practices for in-house systems, in line with the ISO 13485 QMS Designing, building, and supporting the data layer behind our clinical software, working across both relational and non-relational databases Troubleshooting complex software faults across highly complex information systems, working closely with software engineers and clinical staff to ensure optimal system uptime Mentoring and training other members of the CSC team, while contributing to the wider technical strategy for digital and computing solutions across Medical Physics Supporting R&D and academic activities through collaboration, project management, engineering support and students supervision What we're looking for: A good honours degree (MSc equivalent) in computer science, physics, (software) engineering, or a related subject (a higher degree in a physical or computing science is desirable), alongside solid knowledge of software development lifecycles and project management Strong software development experience in JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python; familiarity with C/C++, shell scripting, or other languages is an advantage Practical experience with web technologies, client-server frameworks, and AI-assisted development tools; mobile application development experience is an advantage Hands-on experience working with both relational and non-relational databases Experience working within a regulated or quality-managed environment, with an understanding of risk assessment, validation, and clinical safety as applied to software A collaborative, autonomous working style, comfortable leading technical work and mentoring colleagues within a multidisciplinary team About the team: This is an exciting opportunity to join our team! We are a multidisciplinary, close-knit team where clinical scientists, computer scientists, and software engineers work side by side. Together, we design, build, and maintain bespoke clinical and healthcare software, collaborating closely with healthcare scientists and clinicians across the Trust. We combine the rigour of a regulated, ISO 13485-certified QMS with the pace and creativity of modern software developmentgiving you the chance to work on genuinely novel in-house systems, rather than off-the-shelf configuration. Our team values autonomy, technical depth, and continuous learning. We have won several grants and innovation competitions for the software products we have designed and delivered. As the team grows, this role offers real scope to shape both our products and the engineering processes behind them. Furthermore, we maintain strong links with the University of Southampton and proudly run the STP training programme in Clinical Scientific Computing, alongside bespoke work experiences, internships, and fellowships. This role reports directly to the Head of Clinical Scientific Computing, and will line manage the software development staff, if appointed at Band 8A.

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