At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop cutting-edge software solutions to support groundbreaking research across various disciplines.
- Company: Join the University of Bath, ranked 6th in Guardian University Guide 2021, in a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work options, generous leave, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital research, collaborating with diverse teams and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong software development background, proficiency in multiple programming languages, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Market supplement of £7k available; we celebrate diversity and promote a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about developing cutting-edge software solutions that accelerate ground-breaking research? Join our newly established Research Software Engineering Facility and help shape the future of computational research at the University of Bath. As a Research Software Engineer, you’ll collaborate with researchers across all disciplines to create, improve and maintain software solutions that elevate research capabilities. You’ll be part of a dynamic team within our Core Research Facilities, working at the forefront of digital research infrastructure to support everything from AI and machine learning to high-performance computing applications.
About the role: As part of our newly formed Research Software Engineering Facility (established May 2025) you will:
- Lead and contribute to complex software development projects that support academic research.
- Collaborate with researchers to design, implement, and maintain robust, efficient, and reproducible software solutions.
- Champion best practices in software engineering, including version control, testing, documentation, and continuous integration.
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and training to researchers and colleagues.
- Engage with the wider research community and contribute to the University’s digital research strategy.
About you: We’re looking for someone with:
- A strong background in software development, ideally in a research or academic setting.
- Proficiency in at least two programming languages used in research (e.g., Python, C++, R).
- Experience managing or contributing to complex technical projects.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
- A commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
You’ll have a graduate degree with significant computational experience or equivalent professional software development background. With demonstrated expertise in multiple programming languages (such as Python, C, C++, R, Fortran, Julia), you’ll bring knowledge of agile methodologies, version control, and software engineering best practices. Essential to your success will be excellent communication skills with a range of stakeholders, and the ability to rapidly acquire new programming languages and technologies. You’ll have experience leading complex technical projects and mentoring other programmers, with a commitment to promoting good software development practices across research communities. Experience in areas such as machine learning, data analysis with large datasets, high-performance computing, and digital architecture optimisation would be particularly valuable.
What we can offer you:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
We are committed to continually expanding our benefits to better support you and enhance your experience with us.
Research Software Engineer 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 Research Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in research software engineering. Understanding current technologies and methodologies, especially in AI and machine learning, will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the research community. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or meetups to connect with researchers and other software engineers. This can provide valuable insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative skills by participating in open-source projects or contributing to academic research initiatives. This demonstrates your ability to work across disciplines and your commitment to best practices in software development.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with version control and agile methodologies during interviews. Being able to articulate how you've implemented these practices in past projects will highlight your technical leadership and mentoring capabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your software development experience, particularly in research or academic settings. Emphasise your proficiency in relevant programming languages like Python, C++, and R, and showcase any complex technical projects you've managed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for developing software solutions that support research. Mention specific examples of how you've collaborated with researchers or contributed to software engineering best practices in previous roles.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively across disciplines. Highlight any mentoring or training experiences you've had with colleagues or researchers.
Highlight Continuous Learning: Mention your commitment to professional development and continuous learning. Include any relevant courses, certifications, or self-directed learning you've undertaken, especially in new programming languages or technologies.
How to prepare for a job interview at Society of Research Software Engineering
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your proficiency in programming languages relevant to the role, such as Python or C++. Bring examples of past projects where you applied these skills, especially in a research context.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Experience
Highlight your experience working with researchers or cross-disciplinary teams. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to successful project outcomes, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Best Practices in Software Development
Discuss your commitment to software engineering best practices, including version control, testing, and documentation. Be ready to explain how you've implemented these practices in previous roles to improve software quality.
✨Prepare for Technical Leadership Questions
Since the role involves mentoring and providing technical leadership, think about your past experiences in guiding others. Prepare to share examples of how you've supported colleagues or researchers in their software development efforts.