Software Engineer

Cardiff University; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardiff University is seeking a Software Engineer to join the TransCoLL project, funding collaborative language learning research. You will contribute to building a VR-enabled digital avatar and support real-time language learning interactions using AI techniques.

The role emphasizes research-led software development in collaboration with computer science, modern languages, and social sciences across the UK and Ireland.

Qualifications

• Requires PhD in Computer Science or related area or equivalent industrial experience.
• Strong understanding of machine learning techniques relevant to VR/AI dialogue systems.
• Experience with collaborative software development in research environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop a VR-enabled digital avatar for real-time language learning.
• Apply prompt engineering and ML techniques to support dialogue-based interactions.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams across CS, languages, and social sciences.
• Work within a research environment to deliver innovative software solutions.

Skills

Machine learning

Prompt engineering

VR development

Version control

Education

PhD in CS or related

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity3D

Jupyter Notebooks

Git

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the School of Computer Science and Informatics. You will be joining Cardiff University, one of the UK’s leading research-led universities, as a Software Engineer for the TransCoLL project, which is funded by AHRC in collaboration with UKRI. A successful candidate will be dedicated to finding creative solutions and have a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm to support world-class research in an interdisciplinary team.

The project focuses on understanding the language learning landscape across the Celtic nations: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Working with colleagues from Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences the project involves building a virtual reality enabled digital avatar powered by AI to facilitate real-time language learning in a virtual environment. The successful candidate should have a good understanding of machine learning techniques (e.g. Prompt Engineering for Large Language Models, fine tuning) and some experience with virtual reality tools and services (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity3D, Meta Quest 3) to facilitate semi-structured dialogue-based interaction. The successful candidate should also be familiar with collaborative software development, e.g. using Jupyter Notebooks, Version control and focus on software development within a research environment.

The successful candidate will be dedicated to finding creative, research-led solutions and have a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm to work with a research team in computer science, modern languages, and social sciences across the UK and Ireland. They will possess, or be near to completion of, a PhD in Computer Science or a related area, OR have relevant industrial experience.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting all its employees in achieving the necessary balance between their work and their personal lives. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework ofsupport for staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds. Cardiff University positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We particularly welcome applications from women who are under-represented within Cardiff University in this field.

This position is full-time (35 hours per week) for 18 months, and available from 1st May 2026.

Salary: £41,064 per annum (Grade 6), with 4 annual increments up to £46,049 per annum at the top of the scale.

Closing date: Friday, 4 September 2026

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

£41,064 to £46,049 per annum (Grade 6)