Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
ISIS is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences. Our suite of over 30 neutron and muon instruments provides unparalleled insights into the properties of materials on the atomic scale. We support a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists for research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals and health care, through to nanotechnology and materials engineering, catalysis and polymers, and on to fundamental studies of materials.
Data analysis and scientific software are fundamental to the overall scientific process at ISIS. They enable our community to visualise, analyse, model and interpret the results of their experiments. With the ever-increasing data volumes produced by the latest instruments, the more complex experiments that our users perform, and the growing sophistication of analysis that the latest modelling codes and hardware make feasible, there is a strong need to improve and extend our current research software applications, and to develop new applications!
Duties and Responsibilities:
We have a great opportunity for a student to join the Research Software Engineering (RSE) team, which resides within the ISIS Computing division and the Scientific Software Group. We are developing research software packages in partnership with ISIS scientists and users, and frequently in collaboration with inter-department and international partners.
You will take an active role in the professional software development of one or more research software packages critical to ISIS. This includes the specification, design, documentation and testing of such codes, and working closely with ISIS scientists and users. The main technologies used for this purpose, in term of programming language, is either C++ or Python. Common to all RSE package development is the use of continuous integration, Git version management and Agile workflows. You will be working with mathematical physics/chemistry data analysis codes and tasks such as helping to improve containers/cloud deployments, multi-threading and code speedups, virtualisation/UI/UX aspects and algorithm developments.
The candidate should be studying a natural science, computer science, software engineering or any other IT or Science related field. Knowledge of software development, for example using C++ or Python, is needed. Knowledge of processing and analysing scientific data is highly desirable. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work within a team are essential.
This 8-9 week placement will be based onsite at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire, with the potential option for hybrid working patterns.
In order to apply for this placement, you need to meet the following criteria:
Essential:
Studying for a degree in a natural science, computer science, software engineering or a strongly related subject The right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement Good knowledge of a scripting language such as Python or good knowledge of object-oriented programming such as C++ Good knowledge of processing and analysing scientific data Demonstrate good written and oral communication skills Demonstrate good team working capabilities The ability to learn new skills, both technical and non-technical Demonstrate passion for computing and science
Desirable:
Good knowledge of version control systems such as git and/or continuous integration Good knowledge of virtualisation technologies such as Docker/Singularity Good knowledge of different operating systems such as Linux and Windows Good knowledge or multi-threading and/or distributed computing and/or of UI/UX
You are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
The STFC is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we’re trusted to support, enable and undertake ground-breaking projects in an outstanding diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving progressive advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.