Full-stack developer (Data & Web Applications)

Job Introduction

Serco is the preferred partner for European Institutions and International Organisations, offering ICT services and Contact Centre management across Europe. Our expertise extends from Information System support to consultancy under the government framework, supporting key entities such as the European Commission and Executive Agencies. As a leader in Service Integration and Management, we ensure seamless delivery of services across various platforms, embodying our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our work.

We are hiring a Full-stack developer (Data & Web Applications) for the European Commission in Ispra, Italy and various locations around Europe.

IPCHEM, the Information Platform for Chemical Monitoring, is the European Commission’s single access point for searching, accessing and retrieving chemical occurrence data. The web platform has been developed to fill the knowledge gap on chemical exposure and its burden on health and the environment in EU. It aims to support EU Policies and a more coordinated approach for collecting, harmonising, storing and disseminating data related to the occurrences of chemicals and chemical mixtures, in relation to the environment and human health.

IPCHEM collects and share chemical monitoring data from different sources and in various media at EU level, and is structured into four thematic modules, according to the chemical monitoring data categorisation: Environmental Monitoring, Human Biomonitoring, Food and Feed, Products and Indoor Air.

Main Responsibilities

• Maintain the IPCHEM software across the full technology stack, including HTML, JavaScript, Java/Tomcat, and PostgreSQL.
• Lead the maintenance of IPCHEM data harmonisation, integration, and dissemination processes using ETL, ownCloud, R, and Python.
• Support IPCHEM data providers and users, including the development and maintenance of standard onboarding processes and documentation.
• Lead the harmonisation and integration of new IPCHEM datasets, as well as updates to existing datasets.
• Coordinate with the IPCHEM System Manager, Business Manager, data providers, and users to ensure the effective delivery and operation of the platform.

Knowledge and Skills

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of:

• Java/Tomcat-based web application development and maintenance.
• PostgreSQL/PostGIS data management (excluding server administration).

Good knowledge of:

• HTML, JavaScript, R, and Python development and maintenance.

Basic knowledge of:

• ownCloud (or Nextcloud) platform administration and APIs (excluding server administration), PHP, and ETL data harmonisation tools (Pentaho Data Integration – Community Edition).

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to maintain software applications, including bug fixing, resolving code quality and security issues, improving code organisation, and maintaining technical documentation.
• Sound understanding of software security principles and data protection practices.
• Willingness to understand business processes and user needs, troubleshoot issues, identify opportunities for improvement, and adapt testing activities to meet both technical and scientific requirements.
• Ability to lead technical activities, proactively driving information system enhancements, consolidating existing data flows, and supporting the implementation of new ones.
• Capacity to learn new technologies, apply FAIR data principles, and contribute to the evolution of information systems.
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a flexible approach.
• Ability to produce clear and well-structured technical documentation in English.
• Ability to actively participate in technical meetings with a good command of English.

Specific Expertise

• At least 10 years of experience in software development, including a minimum of 5 years of experience in web application development using technologies such as Apache/Tomcat, HTML, and JavaScript.
• At least 10 years of experience in data management, including a minimum of 5 years of experience managing large-scale datasets (hundreds of millions of records), preferably using PostgreSQL/PostGIS.
• At least 5 years of experience coordinating technical teams, including a minimum of 3 years working in Agile IT projects, preferably using PM² or Scrum methodologies.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Ability to integrate into an international and multicultural environment, with a proactive attitude and strong teamwork skills.
• Ability to participate in multilingual meetings conducted in English.
• Experience working on multiple large-scale projects in multicultural environments.
• Strong team player with excellent collaboration skills.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English at a minimum B2 level.
• Certification in a project management methodology (preferably PM² or Scrum) would be considered an asset.