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- 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 high-performance computing in physics.
- 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 employer: Euraxess
Contact Detail:
Euraxess Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Software Engineer
✨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 that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Software Engineer
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 HPC projects. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about research software engineering and how you can contribute to our High Performance Computing team. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If you've worked on any projects related to cosmology, astrophysics, or particle physics, make sure to mention them! We love seeing practical examples of your work and how you've tackled challenges in the past.
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 to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Euraxess
✨Know Your Code Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the programming languages mentioned in the job description, especially C/C++ and Python. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects and how you optimised code performance, as this will show your technical prowess.
✨Understand the Research Context
Familiarise yourself with the research areas of cosmology, astrophysics, particle physics, and nuclear physics. Being able to relate your software engineering skills to these fields will demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that may involve problem-solving on the spot. Brush up on algorithms and parallel computing concepts, and be ready to explain how you would approach optimising existing codes or porting them to different architectures.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves liaising with researchers, so highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with scientists or engineers in the past, and express your enthusiasm for working in a diverse and inclusive environment.