Scientific Software Developer

As a Scientific Software Developer, you’ll join our Desktop Development team, working at the intersection of computational chemistry and software engineering. You’ll help turn advanced scientific ideas into robust, easy-to-use desktop software that supports researchers across industry and academia.

You’ll love this role if you are:

• Guided by integrity, with a thoughtful and responsible approach to scientific software development


• Driven by excellence, with high standards for code quality, scientific accuracy and technical craft


• A collaborative team player who enjoys working closely with developers, scientists and product colleagues

What you'll be doing:

• Designing, building and maintaining desktop software for computational chemistry using modern C++ and object-oriented principles


• Implementing, optimising and validating scientific algorithms, from established methods to new research ideas


• Translating research prototypes and scientific specifications into production-ready code


• Assessing technical approaches for new features, including reviewing existing code and evaluating third-party libraries


• Refactoring and modernising scientific code to improve clarity, performance and maintainability


• Investigating and resolving complex bugs that require scientific understanding as well as software expertise


• Reviewing scientific output to ensure results are physically sensible and aligned with scientific intent


• Supporting QA by helping design meaningful scientific test cases and interpreting results


• Advising Product Managers on scientific and technical considerations to support informed decision-making


• Working collaboratively within an Agile team, contributing to code reviews, shared documentation and high standards

What we’re looking for:

• A degree-level qualification in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline, or equivalent experience


• Proven experience in object-oriented software development using C++


• Experience working with computational chemistry methods


• Familiarity with collaborative development practices, including Git and peer code reviews


• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills


• Desirable experience includes modern C++ (C++17 or later), Agile or Scrum environments, drug discovery workflows, Python 3, or PhD-level study in a relevant field.

Some of our benefits:

• Hybrid working, combining on-site and remote work for most roles


• Modern offices in a rural location, with free shuttle to and from Royston train station


• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme with on-site EV charging points


• Ample free parking and covered cycle storage


• Cycle to work scheme and on-site showers


• Private health insurance with Vitality


• Free onsite lunches twice weekly


• Two paid volunteering days per year


• Annual discretionary bonus scheme


• Life assurance


• Lifestyle rewards and social activities


• Employee Assistance Programme

About us

Cresset provides solutions for chemists in world-leading research organizations to discover, design, optimize, synthesize and track the best small molecules. We help them reach better design and synthesis decisions, faster and more efficiently, enabling them to win the race to success in industries including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavors and fragrances.

One more thing…

We are committed to building an inclusive and collaborative culture, aligned to our values. Applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences are welcomed. If you meet most – but not all – of the requirements, we still encourage you to apply, as you may be the right fit for this role.

We are proud to be accredited by the Good Business Charter, reflecting our commitment to fair pay, employee wellbeing, representation, and diversity and inclusion.