Bath Institute for the Augmented Human (IAH) – Research Software Engineer

University of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Cycle to work

Relocation assistance

Employee wellbeing resources

Job summary

The University of Bath's Bath Institute for the Augmented Human (IAH) is seeking a Research Software Engineer to help shape software underpinning neurotechnology, AI, robotics, digital health, and immersive environments. You will work with world‑leading researchers to deliver robust software in a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting.

Responsibilities include designing, developing and optimising software with modern engineering practices, contributing to research publications and

Qualifications

• Degree in computer science, software engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience designing, developing and maintaining software with modern engineering practices (version control, testing, docs).
• Strong programming skills in Python, C/C++, C#, or MATLAB and adapting existing codebases.
• Experience building desktop, mobile or cross‑platform apps; strong UX/UI understanding.

Responsibilities

• Develop cutting‑edge research software supporting neurotechnology, AI, robotics, VR/AR, wearables and digital health.
• Embed with a multidisciplinary institute and collaborate across researchers, clinicians and industry partners.
• Design, develop and optimise software using modern engineering practices; contribute to publications and translational projects.
• Work with the Research Software Engineering Facility to access peer support and professional development.

Skills

Python

C/C++

C#

MATLAB

Git

Testing

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's or postgraduate in computer science or related

Tools

APIs

Cloud services

Job description

About the role

Join the Bath Institute for the Augmented Human (IAH) and help shape the future of human augmentation technologies. As a Research Software Engineer, you will work alongside world-leading researchers to develop innovative software that underpins cutting-edge research in neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, robotics, digital health, wearable technologies and immersive environments. You’ll be embedded within one of the University’s newest interdisciplinary research institutes while collaborating with the wider Research Software Engineering community to deliver high-quality, sustainable research software.

In this role you will:

• Develop cutting-edge research software that supports pioneering research programmes spanning neurotechnology, AI, robotics, virtual and augmented reality, wearable technologies and digital health.
• Work as an embedded member of a multidisciplinary research institute, collaborating with academics, researchers, clinicians, industry partners and students to translate innovative ideas into robust research software and real-world technologies.
• Design, develop and optimise software solutions using modern software engineering practices, contributing to research publications, translational projects, commercialisation opportunities and software that meets clinical and regulatory standards where appropriate.
• Benefit from the best of both worlds—being line managed within the Institute while working closely with the University’s Research Software Engineering Facility, providing access to a wider community of specialist RSEs, peer support, knowledge exchange and professional development opportunities.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative Research Software Engineer who enjoys working at the interface of software engineering and world-leading research. You will be motivated by solving complex technical challenges and developing high-quality software and applications that enable innovative research and deliver real-world impact.

You’ll ideally have:

• A degree (or postgraduate qualification) in computer science, software engineering or another computational discipline, or equivalent professional experience in research or industrial software development.
• Experience designing, developing and maintaining software applications using modern software engineering practices, including version control, testing, documentation and continuous improvement.
• Strong programming skills in one or more languages such as Python, C/C++, C#, or MATLAB, with experience adapting, optimising and maintaining existing codebases.
• Experience developing desktop, mobile or cross-platform applications, together with an understanding of user-centred design, user interfaces and application deployment.
• Experience integrating software with external hardware, APIs or cloud-based services.
• Experience working collaboratively with researchers, engineers or multidisciplinary teams to translate requirements into robust software solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to learn new technologies and apply them to novel research challenges.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively with colleagues from a range of technical and non-technical backgrounds.
• A proactive, collaborative and adaptable approach, with the confidence to work independently while contributing positively to a multidisciplinary team.

The following experience would be advantageous:

• Developing applications for artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, digital health, wearable technologies, virtual or augmented reality, robotics, or other research-intensive environments.
• Cloud computing, high-performance computing, DevOps or software optimisation.
• Human-computer interaction, signal processing or data analytics.
• Medical or healthcare software, software quality assurance, or regulated software development.
• Working within a university, research or innovation environment.

Further information

This is a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term role.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

What we can offer you

• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• A family-friendly workplace
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app

Be Well at Bath

We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:

• Staff support groups and networks
• A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
• A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive

Job Description & Person Specification

Right to Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.

Anonymous shortlisting: We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.