Melissa Jade Mitchell

A biophysicist and computational chemist turned research software engineer, I hold a PhD from King's College London specialising in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, DFT parameterisation, and molecular modelling. Developer of IMANI (Python analysis package) and experienced in predictive modelling, algorithm design, and scientific software development. Transitioning into professional engineering through the Imperial College London HPC and RSE Experience Programme, I have evolved from scientific research into building robust software architecture and managing large-scale infrastructure.

I work as a technology consultant, creating prototypes and minimal viable products, advising startup CTOs, and building cloud, web, and mobile applications using Python, React, PHP, and modern frameworks.

Research Software Engineer & HPC Experience Programme at Imperial London University (2025-10 – Present)

Research Software Engineer & HPC Experience Programme at Imperial London University

• Developed and maintained robust research tools using Python and Django, ensuring high code quality through collaborative version control in GitHub
• Modernised development workflows by implementing advanced dependency management and packaging tools, including uv, Poetry, and pip-tools
• Applied industry-standard software best practices, including participation in daily standups, agile task allocation, and collaborative code reviews
• Provided frontline technical support for the Imperial HPC cluster, diagnosing and resolving complex user tickets to ensure research continuity
• Optimised computational workflows and troubleshooting job failures across SLURM and PBS scheduling environments
• Managed software deployments on the cluster, performing system-wide installations and environment configurations to support diverse research requirements

Research Software Engineer Intern at Rosalind Franklin (2022-01 – 2022-05)

Interning at the Rosalind Franklin I had the pleasure to work on the quality metrics of Cryo-ET building these models to help adjust the tomograms submitted to quality check they are doing the right thing. Built a dashboard using streamlit to allow structural biologists to easily have access to these tools so when they want to check the quality of a tomogram they can select which feature they want either power spectrum or missing wedge & etc.

• Worked on quality metrics of Cryo-ET
• Built models to help adjust tomograms submitted to quality check
• Created a dashboard using Streamlit for structural biologists
• Provided feature selection tools for power spectrum and missing wedge analysis

Technology Consultant at App Market Store (2018-08 – Present)

As a Technology Consultant, I specialise in establishing businesses' digital presence and guiding them through the early stages of development in order to get critical pre-seed funding. I expertly create prototypes and nurture them into market-ready minimal viable products (MVPs), as well as providing strategic advice to startup CTOs to ensure a smooth transition from concept to production.

• Establish businesses' digital presence
• Guide companies through early stages of development for pre-seed funding
• Create prototypes and minimal viable products (MVPs)
• Provide strategic advice to startup CTOs
• Ensure smooth transition from concept to production

PhD in Biophysics – Kings College London (2021-02 – 2025-08)

MSc in Bio-materials & Tissue Engineering – University College London (2019-09 – 2020-12)

BSc in Mechanical Engineering – Demontfort University (2015-09 – 2019-06)