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- 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 role with opportunities for impactful research and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation through cutting-edge technology and meaningful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development, particularly in Python and complex systems modelling.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a dynamic, multidisciplinary work 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
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge 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 you insider info and might just lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous projects, especially those involving functional programming or data-intensive software. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and understanding the latest trends in aviation research. We recommend mock interviews with friends or using online platforms.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Don’t forget to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.
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 relevant experience, especially in functional programming and software development, to show us you’re a great fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about aviation research and how your skills align with our mission at the Aviation Impact Accelerator. Be specific about your contributions and how you can help drive meaningful impact.
Showcase Your Projects: If you’ve worked on any projects that involve complex systems modelling or data-intensive software, make sure to mention them! We love seeing real examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise and creativity.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨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. Highlight your experience with data-intensive pipelines and high-performance computing, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Engage with the Team Dynamics
Since you'll be working in a multidisciplinary team, think about how you can contribute to team dynamics. Be prepared 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.
