C++ Software Developer

Introduction

LUMICKS is bringing novel tools for single-molecule biophysics and cell avidity to market, enabling scientific researchers across biology and medicine to unlock new types of experiments.

We produce z-Movi, a unique instrument that can directly measure the overall strength of the interaction between cells (“avidity”) and could have an enormous impact on research in immunology, paving the way for new therapies for cancer. In collaboration with end-users, we have developed a fast and intuitive workflow software that takes you from defining your parameters to viewing your data in no time.

We also build C-Trap, which can be used to “grab” a single molecule and apply precise mechanical forces to it. At the same time, one can visualize the molecule using highly-sensitive fluorescence microscopy. Our customers use it to watch DNA being copied by the molecular machinery of the cell, or observe molecular “engines” walking across the scaffolding structures of a human cell. LUMICKS systems are currently in use in opinion-leading labs across the globe, including Stanford, Johns Hopkins University, Tsinghua University, NIH, Max Planck Institute, TU Delft, and Imperial College London.

We’re an academic spin-off from a research group at VU University Amsterdam. We care deeply about providing our users with easy-to-use, reliable software that actively supports Open Data and Reproducible Science.

We use the following technologies. When applying, it is fine to be familiar with a subset of these:

C++17 (soon 20) for the core code, Qt5 (QML) for the UI and Python 3 for bindings. CMake builds everything and Conan manages the dependencies. Libraries we use include abseil, asio, caf (C++ actor framework), catch2, cereal, fmt, opencv, ranges-v3 and spdlog. Our Python bindings are implemented using pybind11.

Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands

What are my tasks & responsibilities?

• Designing, implementing, testing and maintaining our instrument control software
• Interfacing with new hardware, firmware development
• Working with our business developers and designers to create novel user interfaces that allow easy operation of complex instruments
• Software-related customer support, including on-site support of instrument users
• Optimizing software engineering processes

What about my skills & competencies?

• You graduated with a BSc or MSc degree in software engineering or a related discipline or can show equivalent professional experience
• You have a strong focus on the practical aspects of software engineering and you are aware of industry best practices
• Working experience with modern C++ (C++11 and later)
• Experience with Python and Qt is an advantage
• You enjoy working in a small and agile team and are passionate about technology
• You want to make an excellent product, like to work in a dynamic environment, and have the right getting-things-done mentality to meet occasional demanding deadlines
• You have excellent communication skills