£17.33 + £2.09 holiday pay
Advertising End Date
26 Mar 2026

Role & Department Overview

Lancaster University is a globally recognised institution for teaching and research and is increasingly recognised for its leadership in digital innovation.

The IT Partnering and Innovation (ITPI) team works with academic departments, researchers, and university services to design and build innovative digital products and platforms that support research, teaching, and the student experience.

You will be joining the Innovation Team within ITPI, a group focused on rapid prototyping, new digital services, and research partnerships.

More information about the team can be found here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/iss/itpi/

Our work spans mobile applications, AI platforms, research collaboration tools, and experimental digital services that bring research to life.

We are looking for a Senior Full Stack Developer to join the Innovation Team to work on a number of exciting digital innovation projects.

A key initial project will be working with Professor Jim Wild from Lancaster University’s Physics Department to redevelop the AuroraWatch UK website.

AuroraWatch UK enables people across the UK to monitor real-time and historical geomagnetic activity, helping users track when the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) may be visible from their location.

This redevelopment project will modernise the platform and significantly enhance the experience for aurora enthusiasts and researchers alike.

AuroraWatch UK allows users to:

  • View real-time and historical aurora activity data
  • Track geomagnetic conditions across the UK
  • Sign up for alerts when the Northern Lights may be visible
  • Explore data collected through Lancaster University’s research infrastructure

The goal of this project is not simply to modernise the website but to create a high-quality, data-driven platform that makes the science of aurora monitoring accessible to everyone.

You will work closely with researchers, designers, and the Innovation Team to build a modern cloud-native platform supporting both public users and research data.

Preferred Start Date: to be confirmed
Expected End Date: 12 weeks following the start date
Location: On the Lancaster University Campus
Working Pattern: to be confirmed

Job Description

In this role your main responsibilities will include:

Developing modern web applications using a serverless cloud architecture on AWS.

Designing and building scalable services using TypeScript, Node.js, and NextJS.

Working with research partners and academics to translate scientific data into engaging digital platforms.

Developing backend services using AWS Lambda and Step Functions to process and deliver data-driven services.

Building event-driven architectures using SQS and serverless messaging patterns.

Developing data storage and retrieval services using DynamoDB and S3.

Integrating alerting and communication services using AWS SES.

Working collaboratively with designers and researchers to deliver an intuitive and engaging user experience.

Participating in Agile development practices including sprint planning, backlog refinement, and iteration reviews.

Contributing to the architecture and technical direction of innovation projects within the team. 

The role will primarily use modern cloud-native technologies including:

  • AWS
  • TypeScript
  • Node.js
  • NextJS
  • AWS Lambda
  • AWS Step Functions
  • SQS
  • SES
  • S3
  • DynamoDB

Person Specification

Essential (Please reference in your application)

Experience developing full stack applications using TypeScript and modern JavaScript frameworks.

Experience building backend services using Node.js or similar server-side technologies.

Experience working with cloud platforms, particularly AWS.

Understanding of serverless architectures and event-driven systems.

Experience designing and implementing scalable web services and APIs.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to translate requirements into technical solutions.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality software solutions.

 

Desirable (Please reference in your application)

Experience working with NextJS or modern React-based frameworks.

Experience working with AWS serverless technologies such as Lambda, Step Functions, and SQS.

Experience working with DynamoDB or other NoSQL databases.

Experience building data-driven platforms or dashboards.

Experience working with research teams or data science environments.

Understanding of modern UX/UI principles and responsive design.

Experience working within Agile development environments.

Personal Skills

Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with researchers, designers, and technical colleagues.

Strong teamwork capabilities with the ability to work autonomously when required.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Enthusiasm for innovation, experimentation, and solving complex technical challenges.

Attention to detail and a logical, systematic approach to problem-solving.

 

Working in this role will help develop the following skills and experience:

  • Collaboration with research teams
  • Innovation-led product development
  • Cloud-native architecture
  • Agile software delivery
  • Problem-solving in complex environments
  • Creativity and experimentation
  • Entrepreneurial thinking
  • Communication across technical and non-technical audiences

You are required to submit a cover letter to support your application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Please note: Unless specified otherwise in the advert wording, this role is only open to individuals living in the UK.

Under the terms of this work, we endeavour to provide the advertised number of hours however, hours are not guaranteed and that work may cease if there is a fall in demand. 

Adverts that display a closing date should be treated as a guide. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.

Help and advice on making applications can be found on the Lancaster University Careers pages. Visit www.lancaster.ac.uk/careers.