Convergent Research
Senior Software Engineer
TLDR
Take ownership of software systems for the multi-photon microscopy platform, with a focus on maintaining and evolving the MATLAB codebase for cutting-edge neuroscience research.
About Meridial
Meridial is a Focused Research Organisation (FRO) with a mission to bring connectomics into the living brain. We are building a platform for longitudinal, synapse-resolution mapping of functional neural circuitry in preclinical models. Our aim is to deploy this platform for translational projects and improve drug development outcomes for disorders of the Central Nervous System.
Meridial is a new not-for-profit FRO in the Convergent Research Ecosystem, powered by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).
About the role
Meridial is seeking an entrepreneurial Software Engineer to take ownership of the software systems at the heart of our multi-photon microscopy platform. This is a broad hands-on role spanning hardware control, data acquisition, user interfaces, and analysis pipelines. You will work at the intersection of software and science, collaborating closely with FPGA engineers, experimental neuroscientists, and a growing data team.
The near-term priority is maintaining, debugging, and extending our existing MATLAB-based microscope control software. Immediate goals include adding new experimental functionality, improving data handling, and developing real-time analysis modules. You will need to learn the workings of a legacy system quickly, including by working with external contractors, and deploy solutions with an eye toward future fundamental improvements. Longer term, you will help define and drive the architectural evolution of the software stack, potentially including migration from MATLAB toward open-source systems. As the company grows, there will also be opportunities to contribute to data architecture, offline scientific analysis pipelines, and web portals.
This role will report to the Director of Engineering and work closely with experimentalists, with clear scope to grow into technical leadership of the software function.
Key Responsibilities
Own and evolve the microscope software stack, from low-level hardware control to user interfaces and real-time analysis layers
Maintain, debug, and extend the existing MATLAB codebase as the near-term priority, keeping experimental workflows unblocked
Develop and maintain new interfaces for data acquisition, instrument control, and synchronisation across complex instrument subsystems
Collaborate with FPGA engineering to define and implement software control and acquisition architectures
Work across software and mechatronics boundaries — stages, robotic platforms, motion control, inverse kinematics, and collision avoidance
Build and evolve real-time and offline image-analysis pipelines supporting the full experimental workflow
Work with the team to translate scientific requirements into robust software systems
Contribute to longer-term architectural evolution — modularising the stack, defining APIs, and evaluating migration pathways toward more scalable and maintainable systems
Required Qualifications
Strong background in software engineering for hardware-integrated or instrumentation systems
Experience with Python for data analysis and pipeline development
Experience designing modular software architectures: layered systems, clean APIs, separation of concerns
Experience interfacing software with hardware: data acquisition, control systems, synchronisation
Ability to work across abstraction layers, from low-level control to higher-level application logic
Strong debugging and problem-solving skills across software, hardware, and system-level interactions
Preferred Qualifications
Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related field
Genuine scientific curiosity — an interest in neuroscience, imaging, or the underlying biology is a real advantage
Experience with scientific instrumentation, microscopy, or imaging systems
Proficiency in systems-level programming — Rust, C, or C++ — with a focus on performance, reliability, and maintainability
Exposure to large-scale or longitudinal data processing (e.g. volumetric or time-series datasets)
Experience refactoring or migrating software into modern architectures
Familiarity with motion control, robotics, or kinematic systems
Experience working with or alongside FPGA-based systems
Physical Demands
Fine motor skills for operating computers and lab/instrumentation tools
Position Type / Schedule
Full-time, 40 hours/week
Lab location based in London or Cambridge - ability to travel to both preferred
Work arrangement: Hybrid with expected regular onsite presence
Additional Information
Application materials: CV/resume + cover letter + 2 references
For exceptional candidates, we will consider sponsoring visas and supporting relocation
Compensation: competitive salary commensurate with experience
Generous Benefits will be communicated in interviews
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law or company policy. We strive for a diverse, healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.
Convergent Research is an organization that houses innovative non-profit research initiatives like E11 Bio and Parallel Squared Technology Institute, all focused on pioneering advancements in neuroscience and protein analysis technologies. Targeting ambitious scientific goals, Convergent Research enables rapid breakthroughs in critical areas like connectomics and supports the professional development of scientists and engineers by fostering open research opportunities.
Senior Software Engineer