Technical Specialist (Research Software Engineering) / Research Technical Professional (Researc[...] in Manchester

Manchester Metropolitan University is investing in its research capabilities like never before. This is your opportunity to join at a formative moment, helping shape the technical foundation of a major new research centre. You will be part of a welcoming and forward-thinking team committed to enabling high-impact research through digital innovation.

We are launching an ambitious new Centre for Digital Data Research to harness the power of digital data in driving world-class, socially responsible research. This cross-disciplinary centre will combine academic and technical expertise with advanced computing capabilities to enable research at scale – from the processing of large, complex data sets to the training and deployment of cutting-edge AI models.

To support this exciting new centre, we are seeking a Research Software Engineer to play a critical role in designing, developing and coding software solutions to facilitate impactful research. You will work closely with researchers, fellow team members in Technical Services and our colleagues in Information Technology & Digital to ensure development and delivery of software solutions to aid our research staff and projects. Your expertise will help underpin the University’s ambition to become a leader in digital and data-driven research.

You will:

• Analyse research problems, design software solutions, and evaluate results.
• Apply data analytics techniques including data pre-processing, exploratory data analysis, and advanced machine learning models to extract insights from complex datasets.
• Lead substantial code and software development, including management of database systems to aid research projects in achieving their objectives.
• Work collaboratively with academic researchers, data scientists, Technical Services and IT colleagues to develop software solutions in aid of research projects.
• Develop and implement tests to ensure the quality and reliability of all developed software.
• Contribute to the strategic planning, ensuring alignment with the University’s digital research ambitions.
• Possess experience of using Linux operating systems.

You will bring:

• Fluency in programming languages such as Python, R, and C++.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues related to software development and research.
• Understanding of fundamental data structures and algorithms for designing and implementing efficient software and models.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms and services for data storage, processing, and deployment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage effectively with technical colleagues, researchers, and wider stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver impactful solutions.

We have a first-class career structure for our Technical Services colleagues. Our offer enhances the visibility, career development and potential of our technical professional, fostering their growth within our university. The Research Technical Professional (RTP) pathway is designed to attract, develop and retain technicians supporting and delivering research with impact. Those on this pathway can apply for promotion if they can demonstrate they meet technical and technology focused criteria.

To apply, please decide which of the two roles is right for you. The RTP role is on our new promotion pathway consisting of three roles, RTP I to III. Once on the pathway individuals can apply for promotion when they can evidence set criteria. Applicants who can’t currently evidence the criteria can apply for the Technical Specialist role. We are committed to developing all our staff. Once in post, Technical Specialists wishing to transfer onto the RTP promotion pathway can work with their line manager to develop the required evidence.

If you would like more information about our new promotion pathways, please contact TSPromotions@mmu.ac.uk.

Please submit your CV with a cover letter detailing which role you are applying for and how you meet the selection criteria for your selected role. To have an informal chat about either role, please contact Morvarid Randjbar (m.randjbar@mmu.ac.uk).

We believe in working together, sharing knowledge and valuing everyone’s contributions. Develop your skills, further your knowledge and be part of a team who are transforming lives, every single day!

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.