Research Software Engineer (Research Associate)

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Research Software Engineer (Research Associate)

School of Computer Science & Informatics

Applications are invited for several Research Software Engineer (RSE) posts in Cardiff University’s School of Computer Science & Informatics. Each post is a full-time open-ended post, starting as soon as possible. A successful candidate will be dedicated to finding creative solutions and have a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm to support world-class research in the field of Computer Science. The RSE posts have been created to facilitate fundamental research, generate impact, and support interdisciplinary applications across the four research areas in the School of Computer Science & Informatics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and privacy, human-centred computing (HCC), and visual computing.  Through the cross-disciplinary nature of such research, each RSE will engage in projects covering a wide-ranging spectrum of disciplines including social, biological, life and engineering sciences, to provide research-led solutions to real-world problems. They will work closely with our RSE lead, Prof Irena Spasić, and staff from our school research sections, to deliver short term projects supporting emerging areas of research and impact generation. They will possess, or be near to completion of, a PhD in Computer Science or a related area, or have relevant industrial experience.

For an informal discussion about the role the please contact Professor Irena Spasić on +44(0)29 20870320 , or by email at [email protected]

For an informal discussion about flexible working and work-life balance please contact Simon Hogg on +44 (0)29 2087 4782 , or by email at [email protected].

This post is full-time and open-ended. Please note that applications for part-time working are also welcomed.

The appointment will be made, dependent on relevant qualifications and experience within the Grade 6 scale, currently £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.

Date advert posted: 21 February 2024

Closing date: 21 March 2024.

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University .

Job Description

Main function

Combines expertise in programming with a detailed understanding of research in Computer Science to translate research needs into computing applications – either by porting existing code or designing and developing new software from scratch – and carrying out supporting work, providing advice, guidance and support, leading small-scale project activities and supporting the development of research grant applications in the four research areas mentioned above. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Research

• To undertake the development and implementation of high-quality reusable software and techniques to support research projects.
• To conduct research and support research activities in computer science and contribute to the overall performance of the School of Computer Science & Informatics and wider research areas where applications exist by the production of measurable outputs, including publishing in journals.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research and contribute to research funding proposals.
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with research projects, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
• Support the advising/mentoring of postgraduate research students in each school research section on best practices for developing research software.
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.

Internal & External Interaction

• To build and create networks both internally within the related research groups, across Cardiff University and across GW4 through related GW4 research institutes, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements and share research ideas for the benefit of the School of Computer Science & Informatics and associated collaborative research projects.
• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions and other academic institutions, regionally and nationally, to raise awareness and the profile of the School of Computer Science & Informatics to cultivate strategically valuable alliances and, to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of relevant activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School of Computer Science & Informatics to enhance the regional and national profile.
• To engage with national and international RSE communities.
• To organise and perform knowledge transfer activities related to research software engineering including but not limited to software carpentry workshops and data clinics.
• To participate wherever appropriate in School-related research activities.

Other 

• To carry out a range of duties at a strategic and technical level involving visiting other institutions, partners, attendance at events, presenting at conferences and meetings, hosting visits and giving advice on activities of value to the project and/or the University.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to, and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

IMPORTANT:

 when submitting your application, you should attach a Supporting Statement which evidences how you meet all of the Essential Criteria below. When attaching this, please use the following template and name the file [18219BR – Your name – Job title]:

Supporting statement template

Person Specification

Person specification

Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Education 

Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or substantial progress towards the award of a PhD) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience. 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

Substantial knowledge and experience of programming skills and software engineering techniques to support research activities relevant to the school research sections. 

An established expertise and portfolio of developing research software and/or relevant industrial experience within at least one of the following research fields: 

Data Intensive Science 

Software Engineering 

Machine Learning 

Human-centred computing 

Visual computing 

Cybersecurity and privacy 

Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field. 

Proven ability to support software development and/or research projects by preparing technical reports and documentation plus using source control/repositories. 

Understanding of academic research funding and the ability to support to research teams in developing competitive applications. 

Proven ability to support research teams with preparing papers resulting in publications. 

Pastoral, Communication and Team Working 

Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication. 

Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals. 

Other 

Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work. 

Desirable Criteria 

Relevant professional qualification(s). 

Evidence of collaborations with industry. 

Proven ability to work without close supervision 

Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community. 

Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the teaching and research activities of the School. 

Job Category

Academic - Research