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- Tasks: Join us in enhancing palaeontological research through software development and community engagement.
- Company: University College London, a leader in Earth Sciences and open research.
- Benefits: Full-time roles with competitive salary, professional development, and a vibrant community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in palaeontology while building a supportive research community.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development and a passion for open science.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
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.
- Research Software Engineer (REF: B04-06999)
- Community Engagement Coordinator (REF: B04-06998)
Both roles will contribute to the Palaeoverse project ‘Converting Users to Contributors: Enabling Sustainable Maintenance and Development of 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 Key goals include:
- 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.
Research Software Engineer for Palaeoverse & Open Science 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 for Palaeoverse & Open Science
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the palaeontological community or those involved with Palaeoverse. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for open research! When you get the chance to speak with the team, share your thoughts on how you can contribute to improving reproducibility in palaeontological research. Let them see your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the latest trends in research software development. Being knowledgeable about current tools and practices will help you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Palaeoverse team and contributing to its mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Software Engineer for Palaeoverse & Open Science
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for open research and palaeontology shine through. We want to see why you're excited about the Palaeoverse project and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of Research Software Engineer. We’re looking for specific examples of your work in software development and community engagement, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Explain how your background fits with the goals of Palaeoverse and why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via UCL’s job search platform starting from 9th January 2026. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get the ball rolling on your journey with Palaeoverse!
How to prepare for a job interview at Society of Research Software Engineering
✨Know Your Palaeoverse
Familiarise yourself with the Palaeoverse project and its goals. Understand how it aims to improve reproducibility in palaeontological research and the significance of community engagement. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your skills to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with software development, particularly in relation to data preparation and exploration. Highlight any relevant projects or tools you've worked on, especially if they align with the objectives of improving software structure and maintainability.
✨Engagement is Key
Since community building is a big part of this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with communities in the past. Whether it's through workshops, mentorship, or collaborative projects, demonstrating your ability to foster connections will be crucial.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Palaeoverse initiative and its future direction. Inquire about their training events or governance model. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations.
