Research Software Engineer (KTP Associate)

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is seeking a KTP Associate to develop innovative software for Laue X-ray diffraction analysis. This role involves collaboration with top academic institutions and requires expertise in algorithms, Python, and C++. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and research experience, offering a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. Join a diverse and creative environment that champions equality and inclusion.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Competitive pension schemes

Staff discounts

Professional development budget

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Materials Science, or Applied Mathematics with post-graduate research experience.
• Expertise in algorithm development, numerical methods, or high-performance computing.
• Proficiency in Python/C++ and scientific libraries, with knowledge of MATLAB being desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for Laue X-ray diffraction analysis.
• Translate academic expertise into scalable solutions for materials science.
• Collaborate with the University of Edinburgh and the University of Oxford.

Skills

Algorithm development

Numerical methods

High-performance computing

Python

C++

Scientific libraries

MATLAB

Communication skills

Education

Degree in relevant discipline

Job description

Grade UE07: £41,064- £48,822 per annum

College of Science & Engineering, School of Physics & Astronomy

Full Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed Term: 2 Years

The Opportunity

This Innovate UK-funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) bridges cutting-edge research with industrial innovation. You’ll work within PSEL’s team to develop groundbreaking software for Laue X-ray diffraction analysis, translating academic expertise from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Oxford's physics departments into scalable solutions for materials science.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); based at Photonic Science & Engineering Ltd located within their team at St Leonards-on-Sea, with visits to the University of Edinburgh and University of Oxford facilities as required. The post will be jointly supervised by PSEL and the academic lead at University of Edinburgh.

Salary: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum

Fixed term: 2 years

Your skills and attributes for success

• A degree in a relevant discipline (Computer Science, Physics, Materials Science, Applied Mathematics) with relevant post-graduate research experience
• Expertise in algorithm development, numerical methods, or high-performance computing
• Proficiency required in Python/C++ and scientific libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy). MATLAB is also desirable
• Bonus: Familiarity with X-ray diffraction/materials science
• Strong communication skills to bridge academia/industry

Application Information

• CV
• Cover letter

What you can expect

• A competitive salary
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work with mentorship from both university and industry experts
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives
• As a KTP Associate, you will be part of the national Knowledge Transfer Partnerships scheme and entitled to specialist management training and a professional development budget

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce, and eliminating discrimination.

The School strives to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for all and we are looking to actively diversify our staff. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and in particular encourage applications from people of colour, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people and other minority and under-represented groups. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working, as evidenced by our Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver awards.

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 16th January 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.