At a Glance
- Tasks: Enhance software performance and collaborate with researchers in cutting-edge physics fields.
- Company: Durham University, a leading UK institution known for excellence in research and teaching.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a commitment to inclusivity and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Access to state-of-the-art HPC facilities and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on groundbreaking scientific research.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in C/C++ and Python; knowledge of Fortran is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
This role is for a Research Software Engineer within a High Performance Computing team in the Department of Physics, who will perform activities such as improving the performance of existing codes on large systems, implementing more efficient algorithms, and liaising with researchers to identify their requirements. The research areas for these codes are likely to be in the fields of cosmology, astrophysics, particle physics and nuclear physics.
The Department of Physics at Durham University is one of the leading UK Physics departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. The Department is committed to advancing equality and we aim to ensure that our culture is inclusive, and that our systems support flexible and family-friendly working, as recognized by our Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver awards. We recognise and value the benefits of diversity throughout our staff and students.
The Institute for Computational Cosmology (ICC) within the Department of Physics performs world‑leading research with a high international reputation and is one of the largest groups in Europe dedicated to theoretical cosmology. The ICC operates and maintains a high performance computing (HPC) facility, COSMA, on behalf of DiRAC, a UK national facility. This service constitutes the largest academic system in the North of England and is designed to support scientific workflows which require large RAM volumes, for example cosmological simulation.
This role will be engaged with providing Research Software Engineering support for DiRAC and the ICC. Key tasks will be the improvement and development of major scientific codes, and the investigation of code performance on DiRAC services. The applicant will work with leading scientific teams to perform tasks such as code optimisation, porting to different computational architectures (which may include GPUs), and analysis of performance benchmarks. The applicant will have access to cutting edge HPC research facilities including new and novel hardware.
The applicant will also be engaged with performance benchmarking on prototype hardware to aid and guide future purchasing decisions, having a real impact on the direction of future UK HPC provision. The applicant should have a good understanding and working knowledge of C/C++ and Python. Some knowledge of Fortran would be helpful. The applicant will be using parallel scientific codes which run on multiple servers simultaneously, using middleware such as MPI. These codes will be focused on subject areas within the STFC remit, namely cosmology, particle physics and nuclear physics and the applicant will be able to work with scientists and other RSEs from across the UK.
Research Software Engineer in Bath employer: EURAXESS Czech Republic
Contact Detail:
EURAXESS Czech Republic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Software Engineer in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Durham University, especially in the Physics department. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your coding projects, especially those related to HPC or scientific computing. We want to see how you tackle real-world problems, so make it shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Research common questions for Research Software Engineers and practice your answers. We’re looking for someone who can communicate complex ideas clearly, so be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Software Engineer in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with C/C++, Python, and any relevant projects in cosmology or particle physics. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with high performance computing and code optimisation.
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to showcase them! Whether it's through GitHub links or detailed descriptions, we love seeing practical examples of your work and how you’ve tackled challenges in software engineering.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Durham University!
How to prepare for a job interview at EURAXESS Czech Republic
✨Know Your Code Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in C/C++ and Python, as these are crucial for the role. Brush up on your understanding of parallel computing and middleware like MPI, as you might be asked to discuss how you would optimise code performance on large systems.
✨Research the Department
Familiarise yourself with Durham University's Department of Physics and its research areas, especially cosmology and particle physics. Understanding their current projects and challenges will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in their work.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills and coding abilities. Practice explaining your thought process while solving coding problems or optimising algorithms, as this will demonstrate your analytical skills and approach to research software engineering.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves liaising with researchers, be ready to discuss your experience working in teams. Highlight any past collaborations and how you’ve effectively communicated technical concepts to non-technical team members, showcasing your ability to bridge the gap between software engineering and scientific research.