Applied the EDC Connector, managed test deployments, collaborated on technical design, and produced key architecture documentation for the team.
ROBERT SAHAKYAN
I’m a freelance developer with 6+ years of experience across different problem domains — from health to academia, from web apps to proof-of-concepts. I care about building software that’s useful and generally has a positive social good.
MAIN SKILLS
A cross-section of tools and technologies I’ve worked with in recent years, ordered roughly by relevance and frequency. Not exhaustive — see projects for applied examples.
EXPERIENCE
I contributed to an EU-commissioned semantic web project exploring decentralised data sharing through Dataspace Connectors. The work focused on prototyping an index-based search engine to make querying across the Dataspace faster and more efficient.
Semantic Web · EDC Connector · Java · Docker · Kubernetes · Open-Source
Since 2024, I’ve collaborated with TCF on several projects, mainly centred on academic publishing platforms and research tools in the health sector.
Developed two end-to-end secure web applications for academic journals in the field of musculoskeletal research. Platforms launched to support academic communities in digitising journals and expanding access to research.
- Built full submission/review workflows, editorial tools, and issue/article management.
- Developed frontend platforms for publishing and reading academic content online.
- A full backend with automated PDF generation and multilingual support.
A first MVP phase of a surgeon note-taking desktop application
built with Electron and React, incorporating AI-assisted
note-taking features.
Further details under NDA (currently work-in-progress)
React · Node.js · Express · MongoDB · Electron · Ant-Design · CSS3 · On-Device AI Features
Non-profit clothing platform enabling direct donations to refugees. Supported web platform growth and new features. I helped strengthen the platform during a period of growth, starting as a contractor and later contributing as a volunteer developer as and when they need small fixes, reporting, security, bugs, etc.
- Added new features to improve donor and recipient experience.
- Fixed bugs, improved security, and added reporting tools.
- Contributed frontend changes and backend API updates.
React · Node.js · Express · MongoDB · Heroku · Ant-Design · Sass · CSS3
Carbon Co-op is a UK-based co-operative helping households reduce carbon emissions. I contributed as a freelance developer, building an integration to connect their internal energy data API with the open-source Home Assistant platform.
Delivered a practical data bridge between Carbon Co-op’s systems and Home Assistant as part of a larger project with an EU-consortium of energy initiatives.
Python · Home Assistant · Git
Consultant developer for health sector projects, including NHS data systems and mentoring junior developers in modern Java/Spring Boot.
At Answer Digital (a mid-sized consultancy of ~80 people), I worked as a consultant developer for 3 years, contributing across multiple projects, mainly in the health sector. I alternated between agile teams of up to 10-15 people and working independently with external clients, including a Chinese bank and several NHS trusts in Manchester and London. Alongside project work, I was also part of the Answer Academy, where I mentored junior developers through workshops and code reviews.
Worked on a Microservices-based Java application to help NHS Trusts comply with national data opt-out regulations:
- Developed and tested full-stack features for a national health data system.
- Integrated the service into NHS infrastructure (Windows Server, MESH API).
- Worked with datasets spanning hundreds of thousands of patient records, ensuring compliance with NHS data standards
- Gathered requirements directly from NHS clients.
- Led and mentored two junior developers.
Successfully delivered a secure and reliable system, meeting NHS deadlines and compliance standards, enabling Trusts to comply with national opt-out regulations.
React · Java · Spring Boot · SQL Server · Microservices · REST APIs · Docker · Elasticsearch
- Ran technical workshops for junior Java developers.
- Supported their progress with code reviews and Agile ceremonies.
- Helped developers become project-ready with modern Java/Spring practices.
EDUCATION
VOLUNTEERING
Software Developer — Community Action on Waste, remote
Developed a website for a local community organization that I co-ran with friends & local residents tackling the student waste problem in Leeds, UK. (Project since retired)
Tech: React / Typescript / Node / Express / MongoDB / Heroku
Volunteer Developer — Give Your Best
As mentioned in the Experience section, I continue to volunteer for Give Your Best, contributing small fixes, reporting, security, and bug fixes as needed/when time permits.