Expert computing. Goal-oriented tasks. Endless upskilling.
Full Stack Software Engineer
£44,000 - 54,000 (+ Benefits)
Reports to: Lead Software Engineer
Department: Chief Operating Office
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Stratford, London. Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
External closing date: 29 June 2026 23:55
Internal closing date: 29 June 2026 23:55
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk as soon as possible.
Recruitment process: Telephone interview followed by a technical exercise and one competency-based interview
How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.
Tech Stack: TypeScript, React, Next.js, AWS Serverless, Node.js, Next.js, SaaS
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.
Cancer Research UK is looking for a Full Stack Software Engineer with experience in JavaScript/Typescript who can take our digital products to the next level by partnering with our product teams to develop our software packages, high-quality code; ensure best practices, and deliver technical solutions as part of our ambitious Engineering Strategy.
In this role, you will be part of a portfolio rotating across a range of change initiatives and products used by Cancer Research UK’s Scientific Research & Innovation (R&I) portfolio. As the world’s largest independent, non‑commercial funder of cancer research—and the only organisation covering the full research lifecycle from early discovery to clinical application – R&I brings together scientists, clinicians, Cancer Research Horizons, Therapeutic Innovation, Centre of Drug Development (CDD), and global partners to develop ground-breaking ideas, research, and treatments to bring about a world free from cancer.
As a Full Stack Engineer, you’ll gain exposure to stakeholders across the charity while collaborating with other Engineers, Product Managers, Testers, Agile Coaches, Architects and Business Analysts to help convert business challenges into technical solutions while continually improving the accessibility, availability, performance, and security of our R&I products (such as our About Cancer website).
This is an opportunity for you to gain exposure to a modern tech stack while being part of a diverse Technology team that offers a range of development and progression opportunities, as well as the autonomy to deliver your own projects across a range of products. If you want to use your technical skills to deliver purpose-driven solutions, we would love you to join our mission.
What will I be doing?
Developing software packages and solutions within our Scientific Research & Innovation (R&I) portfolio.
Applying lean and Agile principles to develop high-quality code that has minimal bugs, adheres to Cancer Research UK standards, and is highly supportable.
Working either independently or in collaboration with Solution Architects to design new solutions and maintain, implement, and improve SaaS solutions in line with the Software Engineering strategy.
Autonomously delivering backlog items for an existing product.
Collaborating with the R&I product team (e.g., Product Managers, Service Designers, UX Designers, Business Analysts, etc.) to identify user needs, discuss capabilities and iteratively design solutions.
Contributing to the Software Engineering capability team to share good practices, develop standards, patterns, automation & tools, and reduce technical debt and operational risks.
Applying Site Reliability Engineering principles to track and improve the availability, performance, and security of our R&I products while supporting the resolution of incidents impacting these products.
What skills will I need?
Experienced Software Engineer with a proven ability to write clean, readable, and properly tested code based on tried and tested design patterns.
Demonstrable knowledge of JavaScript/ TypeScript with an ability and willingness to learn new languages, frameworks, and tools
Some experience building modern user interfaces and single-page applications (preferably using React and Next.js).
Some experience developing REST APIs and other back-end components (preferably using Node.js).
Knowledge of Jest or other modern testing libraries.
Some experience with cloud-native architecture and AWS services (including various SQL and noSQL databases).
Ran critical services in production and designed highly available, scalable, and secure solutions.
Awareness of accessibility standards and guidelines.
Collaborative with an ability to communicate with technical and non-technical business colleagues.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
Additional Information
For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
There’s a place for everyone at Cancer Research UK. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you. We don’t expect everyone to meet all of the criteria listed.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen by emailing us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.