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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to develop innovative digital library services using Python.
- Company: Join the University of Leeds, a top global university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on digital access to cultural collections and enhance user experiences.
- Qualifications: Extensive Python skills and experience in full-stack application development required.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative project with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role will be based on the university campus with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
We are seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Lead Engineer with extensive Python skills to lead the project work of a development team for Digital Library services. Are you an enthusiastic and driven individual with a desire to deliver high-quality IT solutions to support digital access to the Libraries’ Cultural Collections?
The University of Leeds is one of the top 135 universities in the world. We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities. The University’s Cultural Collections comprise hundreds of thousands of rare books, manuscripts, archives, art works and museum artefacts. Our collections offer a rich resource for researchers, students and the wider research community.
As the Lead Engineer you will lead the delivery of the technical infrastructure and services of the Digital Library Infrastructure Project (DLIP) during and beyond the project’s lifetime. DLIP is a cornerstone project to support the University in meeting the objectives set out in the Digital Transformation component of the Universal Values, Global Changes, University of Leeds Strategy 2020 to 2030. It implements the Digital Futures strand of the Libraries Vision. The Digital Library Infrastructure Project will deliver a sustainable digital libraries research and education infrastructure; respond to the rapidly changing expectations of our students, staff, and partners and support the aims of the University’s strategy.
Responsibilities
- You will be a key project member of DLIP, leading the work of a small technical team in the implementation of:
- An updated Cultural Collections website to improve user experience, access, and opportunities for digital creativity and cultures, featuring digital content presented in the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) standard.
- A modern data platform to merge data from different sources into a linked data format (Linked Art) and, combined with a graph-based search engine, to improve search, discovery and analysis for research, and teaching.
- Improvements to the process for storing and managing digital surrogates and digital born content to reduce risk and increase access in the Oxford Common File Layout (OCFL) standard.
- A foundational cloud infrastructure for digital humanities research and teaching.
Lead Developer (Digital Library) in Leeds 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 Lead Developer (Digital Library) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of digging into the University of Leeds and its values. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to Python and full-stack development. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your experience clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your projects! Bring examples of your previous work or any relevant projects you've led. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gives the interviewers a glimpse of your problem-solving abilities in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the Digital Library Infrastructure Project and the team you'll be working with. It shows you're engaged and eager to contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Developer (Digital Library) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Developer role. Highlight your Python skills and any experience with digital libraries or cultural collections. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for digital access and how you can contribute to the Digital Library Infrastructure Project. Let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at the University of Leeds.
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on relevant projects, don’t hold back! Include links or descriptions of your work that demonstrate your full-stack development skills and experience with MS SQL Server. We love seeing what you've accomplished!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Society of Research Software Engineering
✨Know Your Python Inside Out
As a Lead Developer, your Python skills will be under the spotlight. Brush up on your knowledge of Python frameworks and libraries relevant to digital libraries. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you’ve used Python to solve complex problems.
✨Understand the Digital Library Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in digital libraries, especially around IIIF standards and digital asset management. Showing that you’re up-to-date with industry developments will demonstrate your commitment and passion for the role.
✨Prepare for Team Leadership Questions
You’ll be leading a small team, so expect questions about your leadership style and experience. Think of examples where you’ve successfully guided a team through challenges, and be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and innovation.
✨Engage with the University’s Vision
Research the University of Leeds’ strategy and how the Digital Library Infrastructure Project fits into it. Be prepared to articulate how your skills and vision align with their goals, particularly in enhancing user experience and supporting digital access.
