Application Guide
How to Apply for Queen's Genetically Engineered Machine (QGEM) - Lead Web/Software Developer
at EngSoc
🏢 About EngSoc
EngSoc is a top 10 global leader advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals through research and innovation, specifically through the Queen's Genetically Engineered Machine (QGEM) team. Working here means contributing to cutting-edge synthetic biology research that has real-world impact on sustainability challenges, within a prestigious academic competition environment.
About This Role
This Lead Web/Software Developer role involves spearheading the entire development of QGEM's iGEM competition wiki, from selecting the web stack to finalizing content for judging. You'll directly impact the team's competition success by creating a polished, standards-compliant website that showcases their synthetic biology research to global judges.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves coordinating with biology team members to format research content, implementing responsive design elements for the wiki, debugging compatibility issues across browsers, and reviewing progress against the iGEM competition timeline. You'll balance technical development with team leadership and quality assurance to ensure all content meets strict submission standards.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who EngSoc Is Looking For
- Has hands-on experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and can articulate specific web projects they've built from scratch
- Demonstrates both technical skills (debugging, optimization) and design sensibility (UI/UX principles, responsive design, Figma/Illustrator experience)
- Shows genuine interest in synthetic biology or sustainability projects, not just technical skills
- Proves ability to lead timelines and coordinate interdisciplinary team members through past project examples
📝 Tips for Applying to EngSoc
Include a link to your GitHub portfolio with at least one complete website project, ideally with responsive design elements
Mention any experience with academic or research-focused websites, as this wiki presents scientific content
Reference iGEM competition standards specifically - show you've reviewed past winning wikis at igem.org
Highlight any experience working under strict deadlines, as iGEM has firm submission dates
If you have no synthetic biology background, demonstrate quick learning ability by referencing one QGEM past project
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience with full website development cycles from planning to deployment', 'Specific examples of translating complex information (like research) into accessible web formats', "How you've previously coordinated team members or managed project timelines", "Why you're drawn to EngSoc's sustainability mission and the iGEM competition specifically"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review QGEM's past iGEM projects and wikis on the iGEM registry
- → Study iGEM's judging criteria and wiki requirements for the current competition year
- → Explore EngSoc's specific sustainability projects aligned with UN Development Goals
- → Look at recent winning iGEM team wikis to understand competition standards
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only showing generic portfolio projects without any research or content-heavy websites
- Failing to mention iGEM standards or competition requirements in application materials
- Focusing solely on technical skills without demonstrating collaboration with non-technical teams
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!