Vacancy for Research Software Engineer at The National Archives

Digital Preservation Coalition; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital organization in the UK is seeking a Research Software Engineer to join their multi-disciplinary team. The successful candidate will work on human-computer interaction, AI, and linked open data projects using agile methodologies. Key qualifications include proficiency in programming with Python or JavaScript, excellent communication skills, and a strong ability to manage deadlines. This role provides the opportunity to contribute to impactful digital services in an innovative environment.

Qualifications

• Highly motivated with interests in areas like human-computer interaction, AI, and linked open data.
• Experience in agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban across the development life cycle.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues to non-specialists.
• Proficient in programming with Python and JavaScript frameworks.
• Experience with web frameworks like Django or Wagtail.
• Knowledge of user experience (UX) design.

Responsibilities

• Work within a multi-disciplinary team following an agile approach to deliver software tools.
• Support projects through technical problem solving within a collaborative environment.

Skills

Human-computer interaction

Artificial intelligence

Linked open data

Agile methodologies

Excellent communication

Technical problem solving

Python programming

JavaScript frameworks

Software testing methodologies

Django development

Wagtail development

User experience (UX) design

Job description

We are looking for creative and self‑motivated Research Software Engineers with interests in areas such as human‑computer interaction, artificial intelligence and linked open data. You should be committed to software development best practices, and know how to adapt these for research contexts. You will need to have excellent communication skills and a talent for technical problem solving. You will be working within a multi‑disciplinary team that will follow an agile way of working to deliver software tools and end‑user services to support the project.

Qualifications

• Highly motivated with interests in areas such as human‑computer interaction, artificial intelligence and linked open data.
• Experience of using agile methodologies (such as Scrum and Kanban) across the entire development life cycle.
• Excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills, including in academic writing and with the ability to explain complex and/or technical issues and concepts to non‑specialists.
• Proficiency in programming in Python and/or JavaScript frameworks.
• Experience of different software testing methodologies.
• Experience of web frameworks such as Django and/or Wagtail development.
• Experience or knowledge of user experience (UX) design.
• Highly motivated with a proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines, working independently or as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with Research Software Engineering team or within a research environment.
• Experience of delivering digital services in accordance with GDS Service Manual and Technology Code of Practice.
• Understanding of the digital landscape, with experience of interdisciplinary working in relevant sectors, for example government, culture and heritage, archives, information science, software engineering, and humanities/digital humanities.