Research Software Engineer

Society of Research Software Engineering; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research organization in Bristol seeks a Research Software Engineer to develop decision-support tools using machine learning for analyzing EEG data. You will collaborate with NHS professionals to enhance clinical practices and engage in data pipelines for secure NHS datasets. This is a full-time position offering exposure to the health data landscape in a vibrant academic setting. Ideal candidates have experience in Python, machine learning, and data visualization, along with a degree in a related field. Job share available.

Benefits

Progressive pay rates

Generous annual leave

Opportunities for training and personal development

Retail savings

Onsite nursery

Qualifications

• A degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• Strong hands-on experience in Python software development.
• Proficiency in machine learning for time-series or signal processing.

Responsibilities

• Develop a decision-support tool for clinicians interpreting EEG data.
• Collaborate with NHS professionals to establish data pipelines.
• Engage in clinical immersion to refine prototypes into usable tools.

Skills

Python software development

Machine learning for time-series

Data visualization

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in Data Science, Computer Science or equivalent experience

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

JAX

GitHub

Job description

About this role

We are seeking a collaborative and innovative Research Software Engineer to join the UKRI-funded MED‑SHED project: Machine‑learning‑based EEG Decision support; pioneering Social enterprise for Health Data. This is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between cutting‑edge AI research and real‑world clinical care. You will play a pivotal role in developing a decision‑support tool designed to help clinicians interpret brain activity (EEG) data more accurately and efficiently. You will collaborate with the NHS South West Secure Data Environment (SW SDE), building the “data factory” pipelines necessary to curate and de‑identify secure NHS neurophysiology datasets. You will train and validate deep‑learning classifiers against authentic NHS data, moving beyond public benchmarks to prove performance in the real world.

Crucially, you will engage in clinical immersion, spending approximately one day a week on‑site at North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT). Here, you will shadow neurophysiologists to understand their workflow, gathering the feedback needed to turn prototypes into usable clinical tools.

This role offers significant exposure to the rapidly growing health data landscape in the South West. You will be working alongside a wider collaborative network of academic and NHS data professionals currently transforming how hospital data is surfaced and used for research across the region. This environment provides an excellent platform for networking and future collaboration with major local partners in health data science. You will also contribute to exploring a pioneering social enterprise model, designed to ensure AI is developed responsibly and for the public benefit.

About you

We are looking for a skilled engineer who is passionate about applying data science to solve meaningful problems in healthcare. You should be comfortable working in an Agile environment, capable of turning clinical needs into robust engineering deliverables.

Requirements

• A degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience in Python software development.
• Proficiency in machine learning for time‑series or signal processing (e.g., using PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX).
• Experience with collaborative development tools (e.g., GitHub) and data visualization.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non‑technical stakeholders (clinicians and patients).

It would be an advantage if you have

• A PhD or equivalent experience in a computational subject.
• Experience with data engineering at scale (ETL pipelines, SQL) or MLOps.
• Knowledge of biomedical signal processing (especially EEG).
• An understanding of information security, data privacy (e.g., ISO 27001 awareness), or the NHS Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC).

Where is this role based?

This post is based at our lively Frenchay campus where we have invested in the latest facilities and resources to give both our staff and students access to everything they need to succeed.

Why UWE Bristol?

We are one of the largest providers of higher education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in vibrant Bristol, our ambitions are to make a positive difference to our planet, transforming futures through actions and solving real world challenges.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including progressive pay rates, very generous annual leave and career average pension schemes as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development.

Diversity and Inclusion

UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community. We are proud to be part of a dynamic, multicultural city that celebrates diversity; we’re always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision‑making and problem‑solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our stimulating and supportive community where we’ll help you thrive.

EEO Statement

We particularly encourage applications from global majority and male/female candidates as we are currently under‑represented in this area, however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit. As a Disability Confident employer we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability.

Further information

If you would like to speak to us to find out more about this role please contact David Western on 0117 328 4986 or email: [e-mail]

Schedule and contract

Interviews are expected to take place at our Frenchay Campus or online in February 2026. This is a full‑time, fixed‑term post until December 2026, working 35 hours per week. Opportunities for extension may arise, subject to successful applications for further funding. Job Share: This post is available on a job share basis for applicants wishing to work part‑time.