Software Quality Assurance Team Lead

Nuclera is a venture-backed biotech company headquartered in Cambridge, UK with significant operations in Boston, USA. Nuclera’s mission is to accelerate discovery by enabling rapid, easy access to functional proteins essential for drug discovery research. Our eProtein Discovery benchtop system accelerates protein expression and purification optimization in research labs.We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced
Lead Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
to define and drive our testing strategy, lead our QA team, and ensure the highest standards of software quality for our groundbreaking
eProtein Discovery
platform. Join us in shaping the future of protein prototyping technology.As a QA Team Leader, you’ll bring strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of modern test automation frameworks, and hands-on experience with Javascript and Python coding in frameworks like Cypress and Playwright. You will play a vital role in ensuring the quality, performance, and reliability of both our cloud-based and on-instrument software. While no prior biology background is required, curiosity and a willingness to learn are essential.This role will be primarily working onsite in our Cambridge, UK office with occasional work remotely from home.About the role
Maintain, expand, and improve our automated test suites across both instrument and cloud platformWrite detailed bug reports, including clear reproduction steps and relevant evidence (logs, screenshots, videos)Champion a quality-first mindset across the engineering organization by promoting best practices such as early test involvement and developing with testability in mindCollaborate and regularly communicate with the Nuclera Quality team, product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to define and implement robust QA strategies for web applications and connected devicesProvide clear and actionable test evidence to stakeholders to demonstrate compliance with quality standardsLine manage and support junior and mid-level QA engineers through mentorship and trainingEssential
4+ years of hands-on experience in both manual and automated software testingStrong proficiency in Javascript and Python coding with automated testing frameworks such as Cypress, Playwright, or similar toolsDemonstrated experience designing and executing risk-based testing strategies, and effectively communicating quality risks to technical and non-technical stakeholdersProficiency with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaboration in Git-based workflowsFamiliarity with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI, Jenkins) and integrating automated tests into development workflowsSolid understanding of Linux environments and command-line tools (e.g., bash, ssh, package managers)Proven track record of working in Agile/Scrum development teams, including close collaboration with product and engineering teamsExcellent communication and documentation skills, including the ability to write clear bug reports and actionable test evidenceDesirable
1–2 years in a QA leadership or mentoring capacityExperience testing connected devices such as networked laboratory instruments, IoT devices, or embedded systemsFamiliarity with non-functional testing areas, including performance, stress, and scalability testingExposure to quality methodologies such as CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions), 8D Problem Solving, or Six SigmaAbility to contribute to test strategy documentation and quality-related process improvements across cross-functional teamsFamiliarity with software security testing principles, including understanding of vulnerabilities and how to test for themWhat we offer
In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a range of benefits including:Company bonus scheme of 5%Share option incentive schemeLife insurancePrivate medical insurance and cash plan25 days\'' annual leave + Bank HolidaysEnhanced employer''s pension contributionsEnhanced maternity and paternity LeaveInvestment in professional development and learningFresh fruit, tea, coffee, and snacks in the officeOrganised summer events for ..... full job details .....