Research Software Engineer - User Configurable AI-Ready Datasets in Somerset

We are looking for a Research Software Engineer (A2) to work on the development of data infrastructure services supporting Machine Learning (ML) efforts within the European Union’s Destination Earth (DestinE) initiative. ECMWF produces world‑leading scientific datasets. In this role you will explore and innovate solutions to improve data and related services to support the scientific and technical development of ML models and processing for the DestinE digital twins. You will develop tools and workflows to assist with assembling and efficiently serving datasets for ML training, and to provide user‑facing services built on the Zarr‑FDB prototype. You will work in the Data Management Services Team in the Development Section of the ECMWF Forecast and Services Department, collaborating with production teams, service owners, infrastructure providers and researchers. This role is funded by the Destination Earth Initiative and collaborates closely with partners ESA and EUMETSAT.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support tools to handle meteorological data for ML training.
• Explore novel technologies and methodologies to improve ML data generation and access, cloud‑optimised data access, and integration with existing services.
• Contribute to the operationalisation of Zarr‑FDB, and ongoing production integration and development support for our wider data ecosystem.
• Contribute to tooling and infrastructure for handling DestinE digital twin data.
• Contribute to the open‑source software stack.

What We Are Looking For

• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a proactive, continuous improvement approach.
• Initiative and ability to work collaboratively with other ECMWF teams but also able to work independently.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Dedication, passion, and enthusiasm to succeed both individually and across teams of developers.
• Highly organized with the capacity to work on a diverse range of tasks to tight deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in an international work environment and with people from diverse backgrounds.

Your profile

• Advanced university degree (EQ7 level or above) or equivalent professional experience in computer science or engineering, computational science, physics or natural sciences, mathematics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience developing object‑oriented software in C++ and Python is required.
• Experience developing scientific software to process large datasets is an advantage.
• Experience bringing prototype systems into operational contexts is an advantage.
• Experience developing interfaces between languages including Python, C/C++ and Rust is an advantage.
• Experience in system design or network development is an advantage.
• Competence in Object‑Oriented Analysis and Design, preferably in C++ or Python is required.
• Demonstrated ability of programming in UNIX/Linux systems is required.
• Familiarity with software lifecycle maintenance is highly desirable.
• Ability to write software in a distributed computing or scientific computing environment is an advantage.

Other Information

• Grade remuneration: The successful candidates will be recruited according to the scales of the Co‑ordinated Organisations. Details of salary scales and allowances are available on the ECMWF website.
• Starting date: as soon as possible.
• Relocation: candidates are expected to relocate to Bonn, Germany, or Reading, UK. The successful applicant and members of their household will be exempt from immigration restrictions.

Interviews

Interviews by videoconference (MS Team) are expected to take place shortly after the vacancy closing date.

Who can apply

Applications are invited from nationals of ECMWF Member States, Co‑operating States, and European Union member states. In exceptional circumstances, applications from Ukrainian nationals and, in exceptional cases, from nationals of other countries may also be considered.

EEO Statement

At ECMWF, we consider an inclusive environment as key for our success. We are dedicated to ensuring a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all, without distinction as to race, gender, age, marital status, social status, disability, sexual orientation, religion, personality, ethnicity, and culture. We value the benefits derived from a diverse workforce and are committed to having staff that reflect the diversity of the countries that are part of our community, in an environment that nurtures equality and inclusion.