Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative software tools for aviation research and analysis.
- Company: Join the University of Cambridge's Aviation Impact Accelerator team.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract until March 2027 with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation research while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development and a passion for collaborative research.
- Other info: Engage with a dynamic team and mentor students in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA) at the University of Cambridge is seeking a Senior Research Software Engineer to join our team. Based at the Whittle Laboratory in West Cambridge, you will lead efforts to develop robust, interactive tools that disseminate our analyses and transform aviation research, while engaging with key stakeholders to drive meaningful impact.
The AIA uses a combination of physics-based and data-driven modelling to develop its first-order models of the aviation sector and beyond. These models compose to create a single comprehensive systems-of-systems model. In contrast to most academic modelling, we lean heavily on functional programming as a paradigm as this, along with computer algebra, immutability, and more, allows the computational implementations of our models to align more closely with their mathematics. The AIA's modelling toolboxes are written in modern typed Python. About 90% of our current software development is greenfield, meaning that everyone helps shape the architecture of, and idioms used in, our codebases.
Responsibilities
- Lead and contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of the AIA's software platform for building and analysing complex systems models.
- Work within a multidisciplinary team of researchers, modellers, analysts, and software engineers; help shape engineering standards and best practices across the software lifecycle.
- Contribute to impactful industrial and government-facing research projects with opportunities to influence both research direction and production-grade software.
- Engage with the software platform that spans scientific and high-performance computing, data-intensive pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and interactive web applications for visualising high-dimensional data.
- Mentor students and colleagues; contribute to reports and publications; engage with external partners and software contractors where appropriate.
- Champion code quality, testability, automation, and maintainable research software; deepen expertise in scientific and data-intensive software while maintaining industry-aligned practices.
Term and processes
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.
How to apply
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University. Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system and apply online. Please ensure that you include both a CV and covering letter within your application which should detail how you feel you meet the criteria in the person specification.
Enquiries
Informal enquiries are welcomed and if you have any queries regarding either the vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Office in the first instance on hr-office@eng.cam.ac.uk or 01223 332615. Please quote reference NM48655 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality and eligibility
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Senior Research Software Engineer in Cambridge employer: University of Cambridge Vet School
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Vet School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Software Engineer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University of Cambridge or in the aviation sector. A friendly chat can give us insights into the team culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the AIA's projects. Familiarise yourself with their modelling tools and methodologies. Showing that we understand their work will definitely impress the hiring team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your skills; demonstrate them! If you have a portfolio of projects, especially those using modern typed Python or functional programming, share it. It’s a great way to showcase what we can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating our enthusiasm for the role can keep us fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in joining their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Software Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Research Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with functional programming, Python, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in developing complex systems models.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for the AIA team. Be specific about how your background aligns with our mission and the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Show us your passion for aviation research!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since you'll be working in a multidisciplinary team, emphasise your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with researchers, analysts, or software engineers in the past to drive impactful projects.
Follow Application Instructions: Don't forget to include both your CV and cover letter when applying through our website. Make sure to quote reference NM48655 in your application to help us keep track of your submission!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge Vet School
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Familiarise yourself with the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially modern typed Python and functional programming. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past projects and how they can apply to the AIA's work.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex problems in software development or research. Highlight your experience with data-intensive pipelines and high-performance computing, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Engage with the Team Dynamics
Since this role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, think about how you can contribute to team dynamics. Be ready to discuss your mentoring experiences and how you’ve collaborated with researchers and analysts in the past.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have insightful questions ready about the AIA's current projects and future directions. This shows your genuine interest in their work and helps you assess if the role aligns with your career goals.
