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- Tasks: Join the Digital Innovation Team to develop innovative software solutions for scientific research.
- Company: British Antarctic Survey, a leader in environmental research and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work options, and opportunities for travel to the Antarctic.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global environmental goals while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in software engineering, particularly in Linux and HPC environments.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and community engagement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 46444 - 65000 £ per year.
A Research Software Engineer (RSE) is required to join the Digital Innovation Team (DIT), a team producing best-practice, innovative technological solutions for operational, scientific and technical departments within the organisation. The team is tasked with helping the organisation develop its digital capability, helping deliver BAS and NERC long term goals. These include reaching net zero; building environmental digital twins; developing world-class digital research infrastructure; advocating for research and software sustainability; and delivering impact through the creation of enterprise-level solutions.
The successful applicant will work with the support of more senior DIT staff (Senior RSEs, Principal Software Engineer) to develop solutions in collaboration with the BAS IT department, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab, Mapping and Geographic Information Centre (MAGIC), Polar Data Centre (PDC), engineering departments and researchers. The RSE will also be expected to support developers and solutions in these groups, communicating the importance of software engineering. In addition, there will be opportunity to collaborate with BAS partner institutions including The Alan Turing Institute, Universities, Centre for Polar Observation and Monitoring, and the Centre for Doctoral Training in Earth Observation and AI for Environmental Risk.
The role requires an individual who can deliver complex technical projects. The DIT offers software engineering capability for other departments that support BAS operations, so individuals must be collaborative and capable of both teamwork and self-directed progression of projects.
Duties- Work with researchers to improve the performance and reproducibility of their research code.
- Promote reproducible research and open source tooling.
- Be an advocate for Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) principles for all digital assets.
- Develop tools for other digital groups, to support all parts of BAS science and operations.
- Deliver high-quality, efficient and maintainable software by applying structured development approaches.
- Provide value add to these development processes by incorporating:
- Writing clear and comprehensive documentation
- Developing robust testing suites
- Following common conventions that improve software quality (code styling, semantic versioning)
- Promoting collaboration with version control, code review, and writing of issues and reproducible examples
- Considering sustainability and maintenance of software within expected deployment scenarios
Qualifications and Experience
The job is based in Cambridge although remote working options are available. For candidates that are physically capable and medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions, opportunities may arise for travel to the Antarctic or Arctic or working at sea on the BAS research ship, though that is not a major part of this role.
Essential to the role is experience with software engineering in Linux and HPC environments. Essential also is demonstrable experience in developing with at least one of: machine learning libraries, workflow management systems, cloud and/or distributed infrastructures, numerical modelling, and operational data management. A key requirement is the ability to interpret and share knowledge by understanding researcher requirements and guiding others. Highly desirable is experience or a willingness to learn and communicate good practice for reproducible research, sustainable software practices and working with large datasets. Also desirable is experience of community-led software development, including but not limited to the use of tools such as GitHub/GitLab. The ability to manage projects is also desirable, but no formal qualifications are required.
Experience/knowledge of the following would be an advantage:
- Linux System Administration
- Multiple programming languages such as Python, R, C/C++, Fortran, Julia, Matlab
- Cloud infrastructure
- DevOps technologies
- UK HPC environments or HPC computing in the cloud
- Web front-end or back-end development
- Small board computer and micro-controller-based systems
There are no formal educational requirements for this role, but candidates should be able to demonstrate and discuss their technical abilities in an interview. Willingness, adaptability and enthusiasm in taking on new tasks are key qualities we’ll be looking for.
Skills, Qualifications, and ExperienceEssential
- Experience with software engineering in Linux and HPC environment
- Demonstrable experience in developing with at least one of the following:
- Machine Learning libraries
- Workflow management systems
- Middleware and distributed infrastructure
- Numerical modelling
- Operational data management
Desirable
- Able to work as part of a team. Must also be able to work independently
- Experience of training and guiding others in software engineering
- Understanding best practice for reproducible research, sustainable software practices and working with large datasets
- Experience of community-led software development
- Experience in project management and governance
- Demonstrable experience in at least one of:
- Linux system administration
- Scientific programming languages
- Cloud infrastructure development / DevOps
- UK HPC environments and/or HPC computing
- Web front-end or back-end development
Research Software Engineer in Cambridge employer: UK Shared Business Services Ltd
Contact Detail:
UK Shared Business Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Software Engineer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at BAS or similar organisations. Attend events, webinars, and meetups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to software engineering and research. This will give you an edge during interviews and help demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching BAS and its projects. Understand their goals, especially around sustainability and digital innovation, so you can align your answers with their mission.
✨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 team at BAS.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Software Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with software engineering in Linux and HPC environments, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your skills!
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your technical abilities! Include specific examples of your work with machine learning libraries, workflow management systems, or any other relevant technologies. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!
Communicate Clearly: Your written communication skills are key for this role. Ensure your application is well-structured and free from jargon. We’re looking for clarity and conciseness, so keep it straightforward and professional.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Shared Business Services Ltd
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your software engineering skills, especially in Linux and HPC environments. Be ready to discuss your experience with machine learning libraries or workflow management systems, as these are key areas for the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role is all about teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked with others in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve collaborated on projects or trained others in software practices.
✨Emphasise Reproducibility and Sustainability
The British Antarctic Survey values reproducible research and sustainable software practices. Be ready to talk about how you've implemented these principles in your previous work and why they matter in the context of scientific research.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Digital Innovation Team's projects and how they align with BAS's long-term goals. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
