API Engineer/Informatics Engineer (Contract)

API Engineer/Informatics Engineer (Contract)
Location: (Hybrid)
Length: 3 month contract (likely extension to 6 months)
IR35 Status: Outside

Role:
Sentinel is partnering with a highly innovative, research-led organisation operating at the intersection of science and technology. They are seeking an experienced API Engineer to support the development of scalable data platforms that underpin advanced scientific research. This is a hands-on contract role focused on building robust APIs, optimising data models, and integrating complex scientific datasets across multiple systems.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop RESTful or GraphQL APIs to expose complex datasets
• Build and optimise relational data models using ORM frameworks
• Improve database performance, including query optimisation and indexing strategies
• Integrate internal platforms with third-party scientific tools and systems
• Develop and maintain data pipelines to centralise and standardise incoming data
• Define and enforce API standards, documentation, and versioning
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate data requirements into scalable technical solutions

Requirements:

• 5+ years experience
• Strong programming skills in Python (FastAPI/Flask)
• Proven experience with ORM frameworks such as SQLAlchemy
• Strong knowledge of relational databases (PostgreSQL or MySQL), including performance tuning
• Experience building and maintaining production-grade APIs
• Familiarity with Docker and CI/CD pipelines (eg GitHub Actions, GitLab CI)
• Understanding of API security (OAuth2, JWT)

Desirable Experience

• Exposure to scientific, life sciences, or research data environments
• Familiarity with tools such as Redis or Celery for background processing