Job Summary Table of Research Software Engineer

Job Description Summary

An exciting opportunity for aspiring software developers to join the University of Exeter’s Research Software and Analytics Group, developing professional software tools that support cutting-edge research across computational and social sciences.

🔍 Research Software Engineering at University of Exeter

The University of Exeter, a prestigious member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, is seeking talented Junior Research Software Engineers to join their dynamic Research Software and Analytics Group. This permanent position offers an exceptional opportunity to develop your career at the intersection of software development and academic research, with the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements.

💻 The Role of Research Software Engineers

Research Software Engineers (RSEs) play a vital role in modern academic research. At the University of Exeter, RSEs collaborate directly with researchers across disciplines to design and develop professional-grade software tools that address real-world challenges. Your work will directly contribute to making research more reproducible, reliable, and impactful across the spectrum of computational and social sciences.

As a Junior Research Software Engineer, you will:

• Work alongside experienced RSEs to develop and extend software that facilitates and embodies cutting-edge research
• Learn and apply professional software development practices within an academic context
• Gain domain-specific knowledge through both formal training and on-the-job experience
• Contribute actively to the research process by creating tools that enhance research capabilities
• Have a clear progression path to advance to a full RSE position within a few years

This position represents an excellent entry point for aspiring software developers who want to apply their skills in a research environment while building a rewarding academic career.

🎯 Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers across the university to understand their software needs and requirements
• Design, develop, and maintain software that supports research projects
• Implement best practices in software development within the research context
• Document code and processes to ensure reproducibility and knowledge transfer
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to the growth of the Research Software and Analytics Group
• Engage in continuous professional development to enhance technical skills
• Support the university’s research portfolio through creating reliable and readable software tools
• Apply computational thinking to solve complex research challenges

📋 Qualifications and Skills Required

The ideal candidate for this Research Software Engineer position will demonstrate:

• Programming competency and experience writing software
• Understanding of best practices in software development
• Proven aptitude for computational thinking
• This experience could be acquired through industry work or via a master’s degree with significant programming components
• Prior experience collaborating with academic researchers is desirable but not essential
• A commitment to developing new expertise and continuous learning
• Strong communication skills to work effectively with researchers from diverse disciplines

🌟 Benefits and Perks

The University of Exeter offers an exceptional package of benefits:

• 41 days of annual leave per year
• Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements
• Competitive starting salary from £33,482 (pro rata)
• Numerous retail discounts
• On-site gyms on all campuses and cycle-to-work scheme
• Industry-leading policies around maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay)
• Paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay)
• Fertility Treatment Policy
• Beautiful campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall in the stunning South West of England
• Opportunity to be part of the academic community at a world-leading university

🏢 About the University of Exeter

The University of Exeter stands among the world’s top 200 universities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024) and is a prestigious member of the Russell Group of research-intensive institutions. The university has achieved a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Exeter’s world-leading research impact has grown more significantly than any other Russell Group university in recent years. The university is home to some of the world’s most influential researchers who tackle fundamental issues facing humanity today. The 2021 Research Excellence Framework confirmed that more than 99 percent of Exeter’s research is of international quality, with 47 percent being world-leading.

🌈 Company Culture and Diversity

The University of Exeter cultivates a diverse and engaging environment with over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries. The university celebrates this diversity as a major strength and is committed to creating an inclusive culture where all community members can thrive.

The Research Software and Analytics Group specifically prides itself on being a friendly, enthusiastic team of technical professionals with diverse interests and backgrounds. The team values collaboration, respect, and openness to innovative practices and ways of working.

Exeter is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion through evidence-based charter frameworks for: – Gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics) – Race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark) – LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) – Disability support (Disability Confident employer)

🚀 Career Growth Opportunities

As a Junior Research Software Engineer at Exeter, you will have clear pathways for career progression. The position offers:

• Structured development to progress to a full RSE position within a few years
• Opportunities to develop expertise in specific research domains
• Training in professional software development practices
• Integration into the academic community
• Potential to collaborate on research publications
• Experience working with cutting-edge research across disciplines

🏠 Remote Work Policy

The university embraces flexible working arrangements: – Hybrid working model with time split between campus and home – Support for part-time arrangements or job-sharing – Access to necessary tools and resources for remote work – Regular in-person collaboration opportunities

📝 Application Process

1. Review the full Job Description and Person Specification available on the university’s recruitment website
2. Submit your application online via the University of Exeter jobs portal
3. Include a CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in the role
4. Successful candidates will be invited for interviews

📞 How to Apply

For more information about this exciting opportunity, please contact Dr Fliss Guest, Deputy Head of Research Software Engineering (F.L.Guest@exeter.ac.uk).

To apply, visit the University of Exeter jobs portal and submit your application online.

❓ FAQs

Q: Is this role suitable for someone without previous academic research experience?

A: Yes, as long as you have programming competency and an understanding of software development best practices, you can gain the domain-specific knowledge through on-the-job training.

Q: Can I work part-time in this role?

A: Yes, the university welcomes applications from candidates interested in working part-time or job-sharing arrangements.

Q: What kind of research projects might I be working on?

A: The Research Software and Analytics Group supports research across all disciplines at the university, from computational science to social sciences, giving you exposure to a wide range of challenging projects.

Q: Is there a clear progression path from Junior RSE?

A: Yes, the role is designed to prepare you for progression to a full RSE position within a few years through structured development and training.

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