Job Summary Table of Research Software Engineer

Job Description Summary

The University of Birmingham is seeking a Research Software Engineer to join their Advanced Research Computing team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with world-class researchers, developing and supporting high-quality software solutions for a wide range of academic disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice, support, and coding services to research groups across the university
• Collaborate on software projects, from defining requirements to satisfactory completion
• Contribute to research bids and papers, helping secure funding for projects
• Deliver training courses and promote best practices in software development
• Engage with external professional networks to stay informed of latest developments
• Identify opportunities for service improvement and develop innovative solutions
• Maintain and update technical skills through continuous learning and development

Benefits and Perks

• 40 days paid holiday per year
• One paid day per year for volunteering
• Occupational sick pay
• Pension scheme
• Access to three high-quality subsidised day nurseries
• State-of-the-art sports centre with pool
• On-campus shops, eateries, art gallery, museum, and botanical gardens

Company Overview

The University of Birmingham, established over 100 years ago, is a leading global university proud of its roots in the city of Birmingham and the wider region. With a commitment to attracting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, the university aims to foster an inclusive environment where innovation and academic excellence thrive.

Company Culture

At the University of Birmingham, people are at the heart of everything. The institution is committed to supporting staff development through the sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme. With a diverse range of professional services roles across various functions, there are ample opportunities for career growth and progression.

Career Growth Opportunities

Joining the Advanced Research Computing team offers significant potential for professional development. You’ll have the chance to work on cutting-edge research projects, collaborate with leading academics, and continuously expand your technical skills. The university’s commitment to staff development ensures that you’ll have access to training and resources to support your career advancement.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The University of Birmingham believes that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. They warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who they are and how they work.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Birmingham is proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter, and Disability Confident accreditations. They are committed to proactively addressing barriers experienced by some groups in their community and continuously improving as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Remote Work Policy

This position is based on-site at the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus. While the role requires physical presence, the university is open to discussions on various forms of flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

Application Process

1. Review the job description and requirements carefully
2. Prepare your CV and any supporting documents
3. Submit your application through the university’s online portal
4. If shortlisted, attend an interview (potentially including a technical assessment)
5. Successful candidates will be notified and offered the position

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 20th August 2024.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please visit the University of Birmingham’s job portal and follow the application instructions.

Social Media Links

• University of Birmingham LinkedIn
• University of Birmingham Twitter
• University of Birmingham Facebook

FAQs or Additional Information

Q: Is there an opportunity to meet the team before applying?

A: Yes, the university is holding an ‘open house’ drop-in session at the Exchange building café in Centenary Square, Birmingham, on Monday 15th July 2024 from 10am to 5pm. This informal event allows potential applicants to meet colleagues from the Recruitment team and ask questions about working at the University of Birmingham.

Q: What kind of projects will I be working on?

A: As a Research Software Engineer, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects across various academic disciplines. The Advanced Research Computing team supports research from Music to Medicine, Computer Science to Theology, and Physics to English, among others. You’ll be contributing to initiatives that enable researchers to fully exploit the compute power of the Birmingham Environment for Academic Research (BEAR) services.

Q: What is the BEAR service?

A: BEAR stands for Birmingham Environment for Academic Research. It’s a suite of computing services provided by the Advanced Research Computing team to enable world-class research at the University of Birmingham. As a Research Software Engineer, you’ll play a crucial role in helping researchers utilize these powerful computational resources effectively.

Q: Is there opportunity for collaboration with other institutions?

A: Absolutely! The University of Birmingham encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing. As part of your role, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with external professional networks within the software engineering sector, such as national RSE networks and the Software Sustainability Institute. This will help you stay informed about the latest developments and sector initiatives, potentially leading to collaborative projects with other institutions.

Q: What kind of support is available for professional development? A: The University of Birmingham is committed to the professional development of its staff. As a Research Software Engineer, you’ll be encouraged and supported in developing your skills through formal training and mentoring by highly skilled colleagues within the Research Software Group. The university also offers the Birmingham Professional programme, which provides development opportunities for all professional services staff.

Q: How does this role contribute to the university’s research goals? A: As a Research Software Engineer, you’ll play a vital role in enhancing the university’s research capabilities. By providing expert software development support, you’ll enable researchers to tackle complex computational challenges more effectively. Your work will contribute to the efficiency and quality of research outputs across various disciplines, ultimately helping to maintain and enhance the University of Birmingham’s position as a leading global research institution.

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