Software Test Lead with Line Management (Life Sciences)

Lightcast are a life-science startup developing a unique platform for massively parallel processing of single cell assay operations that can revolutionise conventional drug discovery workflows. We are looking for a software test lead to join our growing software and integration team to help ensure that both the embedded hardware and desktop applications are produced to the highest standards. This is a rich and varied role that will provide strategic direction and management to the testing team, whilst retaining hands-on involvement. The team works in an agile manner, with frequent releases and valuing technical excellence including development of a digital twin of the platform. The role gives the opportunity to cover multiple technologies and test techniques whilst liaising with others in the team to improve the quality and testability of the products. The technology is varied, and includes novel hardware control, machine-learning, complex image analysis and a rich set of visualisation applications. This will involve working in a multi-disciplinary environment alongside the engineering and biology teams to identify areas of risk and focus, ensuring scientists can perform complex experiments as simply and efficiently as possible with comprehensive analysis of results. Your responsibilities will include

• Definition and ownership of the software test strategy, including desktop, web and embedded applications
• Hands-on testing of software and embedded hardware applications
• Supporting the growth and development of direct reports through a nurturing environment.
• Key involvement in the software development team, assisting with testing requirements of the software suite
• Leading / mentoring initiatives and conversations to raise awareness of built in quality
• Actively contributing the test perspective within meetings to improve the testability of the solutions
• Involvement in requirements clarification, ensuring complex concepts are understood and translated into well-tested, high-quality code
• Collaborating within a multi-disciplinary organisation covering engineering, electronics and biology, using an Agile process to ensure key deliverables are met to time and quality
• Driving the outcomes to enable value delivery
• Exhibiting the company values in all meetings and behaviours
  
  We would expect you to have:
• Minimum 5 years' experience of testing software and/or hardware solutions
• Demonstrable experience of driving a software test strategy covering a range of applications
• Familiarity with Agile development concepts and processes
• Proven ability of co-ordinating testing of a complex system from identification to reporting
• Experience of both scripted and unscripted testing (manual and automated)
• Thorough understanding of test techniques, coding (C#, Python and WPF) and risk analysis
• Ability to communicate effectively with other teams across various disciplines
It would be advantageous for you to have:
• Scientific computing knowledge and a strong mathematical background
• Knowledge of software for image processing / machine vision
• Technical knowledge of databases, data storage and logging
• Experience of enterprise level systems and systems integration
  
  Lightcast Discovery is a bio-tools company developing a platform that combines the flexibility to analyse a wide range of cell types and assays with precise control over droplet number, occupancy, location and movement. Working with major pharmaceutical companies and leading academic institutes. Together, using our next generation microfluidic platform, we are driving scientific innovation, developing unique therapeutic approaches, and forging a path to exciting new scientific discoveries. Learn more about Lightcast Discovery at https://www.lightcast.bio/.
Lightcast Discovery is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. At Lightcast, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way in our book. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background and what you can bring to Lightcast Discovery. Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Lightcast Discovery does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Lightcast or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Lightcast Discovery's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Lightcast Discovery, and Lightcast Discovery will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

We offer a generous benefits package including:
• 26 days holiday, plus Public Holidays
• Flexible working hours
• Pension contribution matched up to 7%
• Private medical insurance
• Income protection
• Life insurance
• Subsidized gym membership and weekly cross fit sessions
• Access to Cycle to Work and Technology schemes
• Enhanced family leave policies
At Lightcast, we recruit on a rolling basis, meaning we carry on recruiting until we find the right person for the role being advertised. We tend to compare individuals to the role specification rather than to each other.