Research Software Engineer

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Newcastle is seeking a Data Scientist to join its Research Software Engineering Team. In this role, you will apply your expertise in data analysis and software development to deliver technical solutions for a variety of research projects. The ideal candidate holds an MSc in a relevant field and has experience in machine learning and statistical analysis. Competitive salary and opportunities for blended working are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Blended working opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience of software development with a focus on data.
• Experience with analysis techniques for data including images and text.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively.

Responsibilities

• Deliver technical software engineering expertise across projects.
• Support collaborating researchers with technical skills.
• Participate in research funding bids with technical expertise.

Skills

Data analysis

Statistical analysis

Machine Learning

Software Development

Cloud Computing

Education

MSc in computer science or equivalent

Tools

Python

R

TensorFlow

Scikit-learn

Job description

Overview

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.

The Role

Newcastle University has an opening in its Research Software Engineering Team for a Data Scientist. The team works across the whole university and with a range of external partners. We develop high-quality software in collaboration with scientists, engineers and scholars from all research domains. You will be responsible for delivering technical software engineering expertise across multiple simultaneous projects.

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:

• Analysis techniques for different data types such as images or text
• Statistical analysis
• Using techniques such as Linear Regression, Random Forest, and Classification
• Experience with Machine Learning approaches such as applications of Convolutional Neural Networks

Applications are welcome from both software development generalists and from researchers with inter-disciplinary technology focused skills which either complement or extend our existing team.

If you are looking to apply your skills into research, we would love to hear from you.

RSE Team and Work

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. As a team we work across the university and with every academic discipline. Whether this means scaling human cell analysis pipelines in the cloud, creating new digital editions to breathe new life into medieval manuscripts, generating near-real-time flood risk assessments, or working to develop decision support tools for organ transplantation – we do it all.

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.

All posts are available as open-ended contracts from the date of appointment and offer the opportunity for blended working. Salary: £35,608 to £46,049 per annum depending upon experience.

For informal enquiries please contact Kate Court at [e-mail]

To apply, please attach your CV and cover letter evidencing how you meet the person specification as set out in the job description.

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

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
• The ability to present complex or technical information and the ability to work with others to understand technical and user requirements
• Understanding of a range of data manipulation methods and tools (Desirable)
• Experience of working in wide variety of application domains (Desirable)
• Experience of deployment of software solutions (Desirable)

Attributes and Behaviour

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a flexible and dynamic research environment

Qualifications

• An MSc in computer science, or equivalent software experience