Newcastle University Hiring for Research Software Engineer Job at Newcastle upon Tyne, England Full Time

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary: £31,406 – £33,309 per annum, with progression to £40,927 per annum

Closing Date: 11 October 2021

The Role

The Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) has an exciting opening in the Research Software Engineering (RSE) Facility. You will initially be embedded full-time in the Haniffa Lab, where you will deliver technical software engineering expertise to the Human Embryo Atlas project, in collaboration with partners at the Sanger Institute and Open Microscopy Environment.

The Haniffa Lab is a world-leader in applying novel “multi-omics” techniques to explore human development, particularly in the immune system. You will help develop the world’s first web-based portal to visualise this data mapped across the entire human embryo.

You will have an MSc in a computationally based field (equivalent experience or close to completion), as well as proven experience of software development. We are especially interested in interviewing candidates with experience in any of the following areas:

Data Visualisation (esp. web-based)

User Interface Design

Imaging/Hierarchical Data

Javascript Frameworks

Applications are welcome from both software development generalists and from researcher professionals with proven software development experience. If you are looking to apply your skills into research, we would love to hear from you.

The RSE Team’s goal is to transform research at Newcastle through the application of software engineering best practice. Its work spans research, teaching and innovation through engagement with external organisations. The team works across the whole university and with a range of external partners, developing high-quality software in collaboration with scientists, engineers and scholars from all research domains. We bring specialist programming expertise, modern development practices and engineering rigour to academic software. We provide expert software engineering consulting services to world-leading research teams and collaborate with scientists and scholars to build software to meet the next generation of research challenges.

We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment. We would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working. We appoint on merit and particularly welcome applications from groups that are currently underrepresented in Technical Professional Services such as LGBTQ+, black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues and individuals who identify as female. The post is available on a fixed term contract basis for 24 months from date of appointment.

To apply, please complete the online application and attach a CV and covering letter. In your covering letter please outline how you are either working towards, meet or exceed all of the essential requirements for the role holder as outlined below.

Two full time, fixed term posts available for the duration of 2 years.

For informal enquiries please contact Mark Turner at mark.turner@ncl.ac.uk

Key Accountabilities

Responsible for supporting the delivery of software projects, helping to develop and support collaborating researchers by assisting through the use of technical skills

Actively participate in research funding bids by contributing technical expertise and appropriately scoped technical plans

Contribute to the selection and use of software and data infrastructure, including technologies for version control, continuous integration, deployment and code review

Collaborate with researchers to develop appropriate technical solutions to research problems

Provide advice and assistance to clients and colleagues in problem-solving relating to team activities

Present work and provide updates, including the effective communication of complex or technical information, at project meetings and events

Provide training and support for team members and researchers to ensure effective use of relevant technologies

Represent the group and disseminate information about the team and its work at national and international events

Contribute to internal learning and development through the provision of documentation, training and advice in order to support the wider research community

Undertake relevant training and development activities in order to develop an awareness of own professional development needs

Maintain and develop knowledge to keep abreast of the latest and most relevant technologies

Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Experience or taught knowledge in one or more areas of Software Engineering. Including, but not limited to; Cloud Computing, Visualization, Web Applications, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence

Software development experience in a research or commercial environment

Understanding of software development tools and methodologies, including programming languages, documentation, testing, version control, issue tracking, and continuous integration

Track record of developing software that is used by others

Ability to manage own work, including planning and execution

Understanding of a range of data manipulation methods and tools is (Desirable)

Experience of working in wide variety of application domains is (Desirable)

Good communication skills including the ability to present complex or technical information and the ability to work with others to understand technical and user requirements is (Desirable)

Experience of deployment of software solutions is (Desirable)

Attributes and Behaviour

Delivering Service; Works continually towards achieving success through understanding and meeting or exceeding the expectations of project collaborators, the University, students, colleagues and other stakeholders. Is enthusiastic in getting the job done on time and demonstrates high energy and commitment to the delivery of excellent service

Finding Solutions; Generates a range of viable options and decides on an appropriate course of action that best fits organisational and area goals. Encourages creative and innovative thinking in self and others and makes decisions based on understanding the wider organisational needs and having considered a range of possible options

Team Working; Operates in a number of different teams and groups across the organisation, confident in adopting a range of team roles. Looks at ways of developing cross functional co-operation and support and looks to build alliances and relationships outside of the group

Understanding Others; Understands individual or group motives, understands the culture of a particular area, school or faculty. Is able to quickly and effectively learn the methods and language used within other groups

Planning and Organising; Works in a planned and structured way, uses own and others’ time effectively. Sets own priorities in conjunction with team and area objectives. Quickly identifies what is important and prioritises accordingly whilst monitoring and controlling work flow of teams

Qualifications

MSc awarded in computer science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent software experience

Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.

The University holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. The University also holds the HR Excellence in Research award for our work to support the career development of our researchers, and is a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

We understand how important the full employment package is to our colleagues at Newcastle University and we are committed to providing a great range of benefits and discounts for all. You can learn more about what is available here on our Benefits Website page .

Requisition ID: 10181