At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop software for high-performance data acquisition in particle physics experiments.
- Company: Join UCL, a top global university in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days annual leave, competitive pay, and great work-life balance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research with international collaborations.
- Qualifications: Degree in Physics, Computer Science, or Engineering; strong programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
UCL is one of the world's top universities based in the heart of London. It is a modern, outward-looking institution. UCL's staff and former students have included 33 Nobel prizewinners. It is a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body – more than 50,000 strong – come from 150 countries and nearly one-third of staff are from outside the UK.
About the role
The postholder will design, develop, and maintain software and system components for high-performance data acquisition and trigger systems in large-scale particle physics experiments. This includes contributing to real-time data processing pipelines, distributed computing systems, and hardware–software integration. The role aims to ensure reliable, efficient, and scalable data-taking operations, while supporting research objectives through innovative software development and system optimisation. The postholder will also contribute to collaborative research outputs and provide technical expertise within international experiment collaborations.
About you
We are looking for someone with a degree (or equivalent experience) in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related field. You must have demonstrable experience developing software for scientific, real‑time, or high-performance systems. It is expected that the successful postholder will have working knowledge of data acquisition or distributed computing systems in a research or industrial context. A strong understanding of programming in C++ and/or Python is needed to carry out the role and experience with hardware‑near programming (e.g. FPGA, GPU, or embedded systems) or low‑latency computing.
Knowledge of software development best practices, including version control (e.g. Git), continuous integration, testing, and documentation plus a familiarity with Linux‑based environments and command‑line tools is essential. The successful postholder will have the ability to design and implement efficient, scalable software solutions for complex systems. Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to debug complex software and system‑level issues is required.
The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both specialist and non‑specialist audiences alongside being able to work effectively both independently and as part of an international collaborative team is essential. Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines is a necessary requirement. Experience working on large‑scale particle physics experiments is desirable.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, UCL also offers competitive benefits, such as:
- 41 days annual leave (including 6 University closure days and 8 UK bank holidays)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan and relocation assistance
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
Research Software Engineer/Physicist (Data Acquisition Systems) in London employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of London, where innovation thrives among a diverse community of scholars and researchers. With competitive benefits such as 41 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, UCL supports its staff in achieving both personal and career aspirations while contributing to groundbreaking research in particle physics. Join us to be part of a prestigious institution that values equality, diversity, and collaboration.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
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