At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with the palaeontological community and support sustainable research practices.
- Company: Join University College London’s innovative Earth Sciences department.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering project that enhances palaeontological research and community collaboration.
- Qualifications: Passion for open research and experience in community engagement.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on mentorship and training.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We’re hiring for 2 x two-year, full-time roles within the Department of Earth Sciences at University College London, funded by the Software Sustainability Institute.
Both roles will contribute to the Palaeoverse project ‘Converting Users to Contributors: Enabling Sustainable Maintenance and Development of Palaeoverse’. What is Palaeoverse? Palaeoverse is an organisation aiming to unite the palaeontological community through shared resources, agreed standards, and a collective commitment to improving reproducibility in palaeontological research. The organisation began in 2022 when a group of early-career researchers recognised a common challenge: many of us were independently developing similar workflows for cleaning and preparing palaeontological data due to a lack of standardised tools and protocols, leading to duplicated work that was difficult to reproduce. In response, we came together to develop the palaeoverse R package—a toolkit designed to streamline data preparation and exploration in palaeontological research. Since then, Palaeoverse has evolved into a formally organised initiative with a growing scope. The organisation has expanded into a full software ecosystem, additionally running training workshops, producing community resources, and fostering spaces for networking.
About the project
- Improving the structure, readability, and maintainability of existing software
- Expanding contributor documentation and guidelines
- Delivering training events in research software development
- Running a mentorship programme for early-career researchers
- Developing a governance model that supports long-term community ownership
The Research Software Engineer and Community Engagement Coordinator will work closely together with the wider Palaeoverse team to deliver these objectives. If you’re passionate about open research, research software sustainability, and community building, we’d love to hear from you!
How to apply
Applications can be submitted from the 9th of January 2026 via UCL’s job search. Deadline for submission of applications is the 18th of January 2026.
Community Engagement Coordinator employer: Society of Research Software Engineering
Contact Detail:
Society of Research Software Engineering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the palaeontological community, attend relevant events, and engage on social media. Building connections can open doors and give you insider info about opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for community engagement! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas on how to foster collaboration and improve reproducibility in research. Let them see your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Palaeoverse project and its goals. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission and how you can contribute to their objectives. Knowledge is power!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for palaeontology and community engagement shine through. We want to see how much you care about open research and making a difference in the field!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that aligns with the role. We’re looking for skills in community building and software sustainability, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Community Engagement Coordinator role. Be personal, be engaging, and connect your experiences to the goals of the Palaeoverse project.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via UCL’s job search platform. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Society of Research Software Engineering
✨Know Your Palaeoverse
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the Palaeoverse project. Familiarise yourself with its goals, the challenges it addresses, and how it aims to unite the palaeontological community. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your skills align with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Community Engagement Skills
As a Community Engagement Coordinator, your ability to connect with others is key. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully built relationships or fostered community involvement. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to enhance collaboration within the Palaeoverse initiative.
✨Highlight Your Software Knowledge
Since the role involves working on software sustainability, brush up on relevant software tools and practices. Be prepared to discuss your experience with research software development and how you can contribute to improving the structure and maintainability of existing software within the project.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the Palaeoverse project, the team dynamics, and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.