Do you want to lead the software organization in a dynamic scaleup focusing on high‑throughput, cell‑based research instruments —and play a key role in shaping strategy, roadmap, and execution across multiple products? We’re looking for a Software Manager who can lead with clarity, implement process, and drive robust, high quality solutions in close collaboration with colleagues across R&D, Product Management, Quality, and Operations.
About the role
As Software Manager, you will lead software development across our products —aligning and prioritizing scientific needs, business priorities, and technical execution. You will lead the software engineering team, set the technical direction, and ensure the delivery of high‑quality software that powers advanced instrumentation within pharmaceutical drug development and science.
You report to the VP of R&D and are part of the R&D management team. As a small and ambitious company, we offer a role with real ownership, fast decision-making, and the opportunity to make a huge impact across the organization. The role includes people leadership of a team of SW engineers (frontend, backend and DevOPS) as well as budget responsibility.
Success in this role comes from combining hands‑on software leadership with strong collaboration and sharp communication. You’ll work closely with Product Management, Project Management, System Engineering, Hardware, Bioscience, Quality, Technical Support, and IT —balancing roadmap, architecture, delivery, and operational excellence in a fast-moving environment.
You will work in Ballerup (Copenhagen area), Denmark.
About us
Since 2000 Sophion Bioscience has pioneered Automated Patch Clamping for ion channel research. Today, we specialize in automated solutions for pre-clinical life sciences.
We work closely with academic institutions, contract research organizations, and leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies to create effective assays for screening and characterization. Our solutions empower the study of drug targets and candidates at the bench, reducing development time in discovery and reducing risk in clinical trials.
Through the continued development of our Automated Patch Clamp portfolio (QPatch & Qube) and our new Organ On a Chip platform (Ethica), we offer uncompromised data quality in a user-friendly environment, from assay setup to advanced data analysis. We are headquartered in Denmark and have subsidiaries in the United States, Japan and China.
What you’ll do
You’ll lead the end‑to‑end software lifecycle across products and projects —setting standards, driving momentum, and ensuring our software integrates seamlessly into complex instruments and scientific workflows. You will set the strategic ambitions and long-term roadmap for software development, including how we implement and scale AI tools to strengthen engagement, accelerate team development, and raise the bar on efficiency and quality across the function.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning the software strategy and release roadmap in close collaboration with Product Management, aligned with scientific priorities and business goals.
- Driving the internal AI agenda across the company and contributing to the vision of how AI can enhance our instruments.
- Set technical standards, best practices, and code quality benchmarks that enable robust, scalable, and compliant software.
- Drive execution by shaping timelines, scope, and resourcing, and use Agile/Scrum (or similar) ways of working to deliver with focus and predictability.
- Lead and grow the team through hiring, onboarding, mentoring, performance feedback, and capability building —creating a culture of ownership, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
- Partner closely with stakeholders across Product, Project Management, System Engineering, Hardware, Bio R&D, QA/QC, Operations, Technical Support, and IT to ensure strong integration, successful launches, and great customer support.
- Manage budget and resources for maximum impact and use relevant KPIs to track progress and keep improving how the function performs.
Who you are
You bring strong software engineering experience together with people leadership. You communicate clearly in an international environment, thrive in a daily life with dynamic priorities and cross‑functional collaboration —and combine structure, quality focus, and a pragmatic mindset with the drive to get things done.
- MSc in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or similar.
- 5+ years of software development experience - ideally experienced in developing SW for complex instruments and hardware.
- 3+ years of experience leading and developing teams through hiring, mentoring, and performance feedback.
- Strong background in object‑oriented programming is a must; experience with databases is a plus. Experience with web development is a plus.
- Experience leading projects and working with Agile/Scrum (or similar) delivery methods.
- Fluent in oral and written English; Danish is a plus.
Personal qualities
- Problem‑solving mindset and attention to detail.
- Strong collaboration skills and resilience in a fast‑moving R&D environment.
- Curious about new technologies, smarter ways of working, and how to turn ideas into real progress.
- Able to think strategically, act pragmatically, and turn plans into execution.
- Clear, proactive communication—comfortable working in an English‑speaking, international setup.
How to apply: Please apply via LinkedIn. If you have questions about the role, you are welcome to contact the hiring manager (VP R&D).
Questions: Share your questions with us via the LinkedIn application flow (or your internal recruiting contact, if applicable).
Start date: As soon as possible.
We review applications on an ongoing basis and close the process once we’ve found the right match—so if this role excites you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
