At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to enhance research through advanced computing and software engineering.
- Company: Durham University, a leader in innovative research and technology.
- Benefits: Permanent full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community focused on upskilling and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge projects in the field of research computing.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development and familiarity with advanced computing technologies.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Organisation/Company DURHAM UNIVERSITY Research Field Architecture Engineering Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 4 Jun 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
The Role and Department
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 (www.dirac.ac.uk ), 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 North East employer: EURAXESS Czech Republic
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within the Directorate of Advanced Research Computing (ARC) that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and upskilling initiatives, all while being part of a vibrant academic community in the heart of the UK. The culture at Durham promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of leading technologies, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of research software engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Software Engineer in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Durham University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects related to research software engineering. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise in compiled languages and parallel algorithms.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview by practising common questions related to advanced computing technologies. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like OpenMP or CUDA, and how you've used them in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Durham University.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Software Engineer in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Software Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially in advanced computing technologies and programming languages.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for research computing and how your background can contribute to our mission at Durham University.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to include them! We love seeing practical examples of your work, especially those that demonstrate your expertise in high-performance computing or software engineering.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at EURAXESS Czech Republic
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like C/Fortran and parallel programming tools. Brush up on your knowledge of accelerator programming and debugging techniques, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative projects. Share specific examples where you’ve successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal, especially in research or software engineering contexts.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle real-world challenges in research computing. Think about scenarios involving performance assessments or benchmarking case studies, and be ready to explain your thought process and problem-solving strategies.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Upskilling
The role focuses on upskilling events and community engagement. Be ready to discuss your views on continuous learning and how you’ve contributed to knowledge sharing in previous roles. Highlight any relevant workshops or training sessions you’ve led or participated in.
