Staff Software Engineer (Front-End)
Emerald Cloud Lab · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $170,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Develop web applications for remote scientific research.
- Work with cutting-edge front-end technologies like React.
- Lead projects in a small, agile engineering team.
- Collaborate closely with design and product teams.
- Contribute to evolving software engineering practices.
About the role
About ECL
The Emerald Cloud Laboratory (ECL) enables life scientists to move out of the lab and to conduct research entirely from a computer. Stepping away from manual completion of experiments at the bench, scientists on the ECL leverage the remote, automated execution of all standard biology and chemistry experiments in Emerald’s industrial lab facilities, working within a software platform for all stages of research workflows, from experimental design to data analysis. Our system empowers scientists at Big Pharma companies, startups, and academic laboratories by allowing them to run wet lab experiments from anywhere in the world without ever stepping foot into the lab.
Engineering at ECL
The Application Software Engineer develops the ECL Command Center and the multiple internal web-based applications on which the ECL runs. The Command Center offers scientists a broad suite of tools for designing experiments on the ECL, tracking their progress, and analyzing their results, all within the collaborative context of working alongside other researchers. Projects include: the notebook interface to Emerald’s Symbolic Lab Language (SLL); team-based features for managing projects and end-to-end research workflows; point-and-click command builders that onboard users into the capabilities of SLL; building out the platform for running the web application on the desktop.
We’re a small team, which means it is essential for every team member to be ready to take ownership and lead projects. Feature development and proximity to overall UX are both central in this role, so the Application Engineer works very closely alongside the outstanding ECL Design team.
As an early team member helping to build the Engineering team as well as the product, you will also be encouraged to contribute to the software engineering practices we maintain in our own work, and which we bring to ECL as a whole. We strive to be continually critical of our process, cutting cruft and homing in on performance multipliers (like continuous integration and agile development practices).
Our Tech Stack
Our applications are built on web-based technologies (React / HTML5 / CSS3) running on the cloud and desktop across Windows and Mac OS. Our backend services are written in Go, and deployed on AWS infrastructure in Docker containers, with container orchestration through Kubernetes. Our source code control is on Github, with integration with Travis CI for continuous testing. SLL and the Experiment Framework are written in the Wolfram Language. Our stack is always evolving, and we welcome new ideas and technologies which enhance our ability to deliver incredible software.
The Application Engineering role operates primarily in frontend UX technologies like React and Redux. More broadly, bringing online the first cloud-based biotech lab is an expansive, diverse challenge. A core component of our job is consistently determining the right tools for the job at hand, and diving in to learn these new technologies along the way.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in website development.
- Demonstrated technical leadership experience.
- BS and/or graduate degree in computer science or equivalent experience.
- Proficiency in JavaScript and/or TypeScript.
- Familiar with React and Redux or equivalent frameworks.
Preferred Qualifications
- Willingness to push the bounds of client-side web development with the goal of creating a unique experience for users.
- Experience with Electron.
- Dedicated problem solver – both analytically and strategically – with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment where multiple releases are a fact of life.
- Strong written communication and documentation skills.
- Experience working in close partnership with creative teams like design.
- Experience with website testing frameworks (Cypress, Percy, Storybook, Chromatic etc.).
- Great attention to detail and strive to deliver beautiful and friendly user interactions.
About ECL:
https://www.emeraldcloudlab.com
The Emerald Cloud Laboratory (ECL) enables life scientists to move out of the lab, and to conduct research entirely from a computer. Stepping away from manual completion of experiments at the bench, scientists on the ECL leverage the remote, automated execution of all standard biology and chemistry experiments in Emerald’s industrial lab facilities, working within a software platform for all stages of research workflows, from experimental design to data analysis.
Optional but welcome: A link to your Github account or any projects you are proud of can be especially helpful. With project links, please include a short remark to help us get our bearings.
At Emerald Cloud Lab, we are committed to pioneering the future of scientific research by providing an innovative, cloud-based laboratory environment. We believe in the power of collaboration, diversity, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge to drive groundbreaking discoveries. If you are passionate about reshaping the landscape of scientific experimentation and eager to contribute to a culture of excellence and innovation, we invite you to join us.
Key skills/competency
- Staff Software Engineer
- Front-End Development
- React
- Redux
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- Web Application Development
- UX/UI
- Cloud-Based Applications
- Technical Leadership
Skills & topics
- Staff Software Engineer
- Front-End Developer
- React Developer
- JavaScript Engineer
- TypeScript Engineer
- Web Development
- Software Engineering
- Biotech Software
- Cloud Computing
- Technical Leadership
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 10+ years of website development experience, technical leadership, and proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript, React, and Redux.
- Showcase your projects: Include a link to your GitHub and any relevant projects, with brief remarks explaining their significance.
- Emphasize collaboration: Mention experience working with design teams and your problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss your approach to front-end development, testing frameworks, and creating unique user experiences.
- Demonstrate leadership: Highlight instances where you've taken ownership and led projects to successful completion.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Emerald Cloud Lab and what problem does it solve?
- Emerald Cloud Lab (ECL) is a revolutionary platform that allows life scientists to conduct experiments remotely using automated industrial lab facilities. It solves the problem of scientists needing to be physically present in a lab, enabling them to design, track, and analyze experiments entirely from a computer, accessible from anywhere in the world.
- What will be the main responsibilities of a Staff Software Engineer (Front-End) at ECL?
- As a Staff Software Engineer (Front-End), you will develop the ECL Command Center and other internal web applications. This includes working on the notebook interface, team-based features, command builders, and optimizing the web application for desktop use, all while focusing on user experience and collaborating closely with the design team.
- What technologies are used in the ECL front-end development?
- The front-end at ECL is primarily built using modern web technologies such as React, Redux, HTML5, and CSS3. You will also be working with JavaScript and/or TypeScript.
- What kind of experience is required for this Staff Software Engineer role?
- We are looking for candidates with over 10 years of experience in website development, demonstrated technical leadership, and a BS/graduate degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript and familiarity with React/Redux or similar frameworks are essential.
- How does ECL foster innovation and continuous improvement in its engineering practices?
- ECL encourages team members to contribute to software engineering practices. The team is committed to continuously evaluating their processes, eliminating inefficiencies, and enhancing performance through methods like continuous integration and agile development.
- What are the benefits of working on a small engineering team at ECL?
- Working on a small team at ECL means you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of projects, lead initiatives, and have a significant impact on both the product and the engineering culture. Your contributions will be highly visible and influential.
- Does ECL support learning new technologies for its engineers?
- Yes, ECL embraces an evolving tech stack and encourages engineers to dive in and learn new technologies as needed. The role involves consistently determining the right tools for the job and adapting to new challenges in building a cloud-based biotech lab.
- What kind of collaboration can I expect with the design team?
- You will work very closely alongside the outstanding ECL Design team. Feature development and overall user experience are central to this role, requiring tight partnership with creative professionals.