Senior Software Developer

Role Overview

This role focuses on designing, building, and supporting enterprise-level software systems that underpin research and operational activities at a clinical research site. Day-to-day work spans full-stack development, business process automation, cloud migration, and application security – all while ensuring high availability, data integrity, and compliance. The person in this position also provides technical guidance to less experienced developers and helps shape engineering standards across the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable web applications across both backend and frontend, using PHP and/or .NET frameworks alongside modern front-end technologies.
• Analyse existing systems for performance bottlenecks, maintainability issues, and improvement opportunities; lead code reviews to uphold quality and consistency.
• Identify manual, paper‑based workflows and automate them using digital forms, approval flows, and notification systems – then train end‑users and provide ongoing support.
• Drive cloud adoption by migrating on‑premises workloads, managing Azure or SharePoint Online environments, and optimising cloud resources for cost and performance.
• Maintain organisational websites and clinical data collection platforms (e.g., REDCap), including domain configurations, hosting setups, analytics, and content updates in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Oversee application security by administering access controls, monitoring for vulnerabilities, renewing SSL certificates, and enforcing data protection policies across all development activities.
• Participate in IT project planning and delivery, evaluate proposed changes through a Change Advisory Board, and support critical enterprise applications to ensure continuous service.
• Create and maintain technical documentation (architecture diagrams, runbooks, user guides) and mentor junior developers on best practices, design patterns, and professional development.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive software development experience, with proven proficiency in PHP and/or Microsoft .NET and related open‑source ecosystems.
• Strong understanding of full‑stack development, including database design, REST/SOAP API integration, version control (Git), and release management practices.
• Hands‑on experience with cloud platforms (Azure, SharePoint Online) and DevOps or DevSecOps pipelines; familiarity with Microsoft Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps) is a plus.
• Solid grasp of IT service management disciplines – change control, incident management, configuration management – and cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Ability to work autonomously at a senior individual‑contributor level (SFIA Level 4), breaking down complex technical problems and delivering pragmatic, maintainable solutions.
• Excellent communication skills for translating technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders, writing clear documentation, and leading knowledge‑sharing sessions.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., MCSD, ZEND PHP, Microsoft Power Platform, or mobile development credentials) are desirable but not mandatory; professional body membership (e.g., Computer Society of Kenya, ISACA) is also a plus.