Join Our Team as a Software Engineer: Designing Models for Simulating Social-Ecological Systems

The Department of Ecoscience at Aarhus University invites applications for a position focusing on the development of algorithms, models, and data management tools to support the ongoing development of simulation models as part of the Animal Landscape and Man Simulation System (ALMaSS, see www.almass.dk for further information).

Expected start date and duration

The position is permanent with an expected start 1st of Ocober 2024.

Job description

The main task will be to develop algorithms, models, and data management tools to support the ongoing development of simulation models as part of the Animal Landscape and Man Simulation System (ALMaSS, see www.almass.dk for further information). The main focus for this position will be: i) Developing, testing and documenting ALMaSS simulation code for species and landscape models; ii) Maintaining access to High-Performance Computer facilities for running ALMaSS simulations; iii) Developing automated scripts and data handling procedures to manage simulation data at both the input and output side as well as improving efficiency of simulations. Experience in low-level programming and of programming on GPUs is an advantage.

The candidate is also welcome to participate more deeply in research and development of ALMaSS models, and develop a specialty in an area of ALMaSS simulation.

Your profile

We are seeking a technically qualified person to support the simulation modelling developments full time on a permanent position as a Software Engineer. The applicant must have a strong background in programming in C++ and Python, ideally for scientific purposes. Proficiency in programming, including object-oriented paradigms, is essential, but no prior knowledge of the subject area is needed. Experience of Linux and cloud computing platforms would be an advantage.

The candidate will need to be able to manage multiple parallel tasks. The ability to work and communicate well as part of a team is essential and a scientific background in natural, social, or technological science will be of benefit in integrating to the team.

Who we are

The Department of Ecoscience is engaged in research programmes, teaching curricula and advisory work covering the major biological sub-disciplines. We conduct world-class research in the areas of aquatic biology and ecology, arctic environment and ecosystems, biodiversity and conservation biology. The Department currently employs approximately 275 academic and technical staff, as well as many PhD students.

This position will strengthen the capacity of Social-Ecological Systems Simulation centre (SESS) at Ecoscience (https://projects.au.dk/sess/ ). SESS develops detailed system simulation models to predict impacts of management of landscapes, both agricultural and natural across Europe. The research team includes software engineers, ecologists, ecotoxicologists, and GIS specialists, and is distributed over several European countries.

The successful applicant will join the core Danish team, which leads the software design and development of the simulation software and its application in risk assessment and policy-related landscape management.

The working environment at SESS is based on teamwork and close working relations.  As a multidisciplinary team with numerous ongoing projects, we benefit from our day-to-day collaboration, where we often contribute to various overlapping projects.  The core SESS team is situated on the same floor in an Aarhus University Campus building where offices are next to each other. Our work and team efforts thrive from in-office conversations and coordination, while we also value the advantages of working from home.

Since SESS staff all come from different backgrounds, we can provide each other with a broad range of insights and inputs that strengthen the development and outcomes of our research. One of our greatest strengths is the diversity in our team and the dynamic it enables – in practice this means our work is more adapted to our strengths and how we work individually than the other way around. As a team, we are inclusive, and there is a general focus and understanding of the balance between work and private life – and how that balance can look differently depending on each person.

 
What we offer

The Department offers a vibrant and informal research environment with longstanding traditions for collaboration with elite international university partners and with the Danish Ministry of the Environment.

SESS offers a multi-disciplinary team environment, with the opportunities to grow into a specialist role, supported and trained by the team.  English is the working language in SESS and is widely spoken in the department. We welcome applicants from abroad.

The Department has a strong work-life balance policy and seeks a good gender and age balance. Read more about the services available when relocating to Aarhus University at

www.au.dk/work

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is Building 1110, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, DK-8000, Aarhus C, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Professor Chris Topping, +45  87158845, [email protected].

Deadline

Deadline for application 8/4 2024.