Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies 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 in high-performance computing for groundbreaking 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 North East employer: EURAXESS Ireland
Contact Detail:
EURAXESS Ireland Recruiting Team
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, 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 recommend focusing on your experience with C/C++ and Python, as well as any relevant algorithms you've implemented.
✨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 that extra step to connect directly with us.
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 your experience with C/C++ and 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 high-performance computing and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills. Talk about challenges you've faced in coding or research and how you overcame them. We love seeing how you tackle complex issues!
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team at Durham University!
How to prepare for a job interview at EURAXESS Ireland
✨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 existing codes or implement new algorithms.
✨Research the Department and Its Projects
Familiarise yourself with the Department of Physics at Durham University and its research areas, especially in cosmology and particle physics. Being able to discuss specific projects or recent publications will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the High Performance Computing team and their current challenges. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to assess if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves liaising with researchers, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to understand and meet the needs of different stakeholders.