ROBERT SAHAKYAN

PARIS, FR / REMOTE r.sahakyan1@gmail.com +33 7 49 87 99 29

I’m a software 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.

TECHNICAL TOOLKIT

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.

Languages
JavaScript (ES6+) Java Python SQL
Frontend
React HTML5 CSS3 Ant Design Electron
Backend
REST APIs Node.js Express.js Spring Boot Microservices
Databases
MongoDB SQL Server MySQL Elasticsearch
DevOps & Infra
Git Docker GitHub Actions Heroku Kubernetes
Domain-Specific
Semantic Web Dataspaces Eclipse Dataspace Components (EDC) Home Assistant AI-assisted features
Tools & Practices
VS Code GitHub Postman Jira Agile/Scrum IntelliJ Windows/Linux

EXPERIENCE

Organisation Website

I have worked with Startin'Blox on multiple EU-commissioned semantic web initiatives focused on decentralised data sharing in the context of dataspaces. Utilising the Eclipse Dataspace Components (EDC), namely the EDC connector.

Role
  • Researched and applied the EDC Connector within the broader solutions.
  • Configured, extended, and tested EDC connectors across multiple use-cases, including a prototype cross-dataspace search engine.
  • Collaborated with Startin’Blox and partners on technical design decisions.
  • Produced architecture documentation and technical notes for the team.
Tech

Semantic Web · EDC Connector · Java · Docker · Kubernetes · Open-Source · Nginx

Organisation Website

Since 2024, I’ve collaborated with TCF on several projects, mainly centred on academic publishing platforms and research tools in the health sector.

PROJECT 1 Feb 24 - Nov 24

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.
See results: THE HIVE and AGA JOURNAL
PROJECT 2 Feb 25 - Jun 25

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)

TECH

React · Node.js · Express · MongoDB · Electron · Ant-Design · CSS3 · On-Device AI Features

Organisation Website

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.

MY ROLE
  • Added new features to improve donor and recipient experience.
  • Fixed bugs, improved security, and added reporting tools.
  • Contributed frontend changes and backend API updates.

TECH

React · Node.js · Express · MongoDB · Heroku · Ant-Design · Sass · CSS3

Organisation Website

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.

MY ROLE
Designed and implemented a Home Assistant integration.
OUTCOMES

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.

TECH

Python · Home Assistant · Git

Organisation Website

Consultant developer for health sector projects, including NHS data systems and mentoring junior developers in modern Java/Spring Boot.

OVERVIEW

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.

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT

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.
OUTCOME

Successfully delivered a secure and reliable system, meeting NHS deadlines and compliance standards, enabling Trusts to comply with national opt-out regulations.

TECH

React · Java · Spring Boot · SQL Server · Microservices · REST APIs · Docker · Elasticsearch

MENTORING (ANSWER ACADEMY)
  • 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

Sept 16 - Jun 19
University of Leeds

Graduated with 1st class honors in BSc Computer Science.

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.