Digital Humanities RSE: Research Software Engineer for Collections in London

Digital Humanities RSE: Research Software Engineer for Collections in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The British Library

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create innovative software to showcase collections and tackle research questions.
  • Company: Join the British Library's Digital Research Team in Greater London.
  • Benefits: Full-time role with personal development opportunities and contributions to research publications.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in digital scholarship using cutting-edge AI/ML tools.
  • Qualifications: Strong understanding of digital scholarship and excellent tech skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

The British Library in Greater London is seeking a Research Software Engineer to join the Digital Research Team. This full-time role involves identifying requirements and implementing software to showcase collections and answer research questions, while also developing outputs and tools.

The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of digital scholarship and excellent technological skills, particularly with AI/ML tools. The position also offers opportunities for personal development and contributions to research publications.

Digital Humanities RSE: Research Software Engineer for Collections in London employer: The British Library

The British Library is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Digital Research Team. Employees benefit from extensive personal development opportunities, including contributions to impactful research publications, all while working in the heart of Greater London, a hub for cultural and academic excellence.

The British Library

Contact Details:

The British Library Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Digital Humanities RSE: Research Software Engineer for Collections in London

Join Local Tech Meetups

Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at The British Library or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!

Contribute to Open Source Projects

Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to The British Library.

Tap into Online Developer Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like The British Library.

Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like The British Library that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!

We think you need these skills to ace Digital Humanities RSE: Research Software Engineer for Collections in London

Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Python
SQL
Data Engineering
ETL/ELT Processes
Data Pipeline Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.

Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at The British Library.

Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at The British Library and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!

Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!

How to prepare for a job interview at The British Library

Brush Up on Your Coding Skills

For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.

Know Your Tools and Frameworks

Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If The British Library uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.

Showcase Your Projects

Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.