Software Scientist / Senior

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Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £42,840 (band D) to £53,818 (band E) per annum (dependent on skills and experience).
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (24 months).
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

About us

ISIS is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences. Our suite of over 30 neutron and muon instruments gives unique 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.

About the role
Scientific software is fundamental to the overall process at ISIS. They enable our community to visualise, analyse, model and interpret the results of their experiments. With the constant progress of science and computing leading to an increasing complexity and sophistication of experiments and analysis workflows, there is a strong need to enhance and extend our current software solutions to match the evolving needs of our science users.

You will join the ISIS Scientific Software Group, where you will extend the Mantid Data Reduction Software to support diffraction data for texture analysis. Major diffraction detector upgrades are planned at both the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source and the Paul Scherrer Institut (Switzerland) in 2024/25 that will allow the recording of this data.

You need to have experience in and a passion for the science we support, and a strong interest in software development. The role could suit, for example, a researcher or scientist with practical experience in neutron or x-ray experiments who wants to focus on developing computational tools, or someone with an understanding of crystallography and diffraction who wants to help implement software solutions.

The role offers a great opportunity to work in a high-level research environment, with the chance to learn from and work together with scientists, researchers and software developers with a variety of backgrounds and skills. In particular this offers the opportunity to work at two of the major neutron facilities in the world. This will help enhance the science capability in this unique field by providing professional and sustainable software solutions to treat and analysis data that will benefit this community for years to come.

This is an opportunity to join an established development team and really progress your career, as there is scope to take ownership for a significant area of work. Our team prides itself in being diverse and welcoming to all. We also aim to provide accommodations to optimise work-life balance without sacrificing opportunities for progression.

Person Specification

You should have as a minimum:

• Relevant experience or education (e.g. PhD) related to diffraction based techniques, or experience with beamlines at neutron or x-ray laboratories. (S&I)
• Experience of software development using a scientifically relevant language preferably Python or C . (S&I)
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts effectively. (S&I)
• Ability to work independently and within a dynamic, agile team environment. (I)
• Good analytical skills with a logical approach to problem solving. (I)

To be considered for the higher band (E) you will meet all the above criteria in addition to at least three of the following requirements :

• Experience in professional development practices including version control, unit testing, continuous integration, agile practices and in object orientated programming in C or Python. (S&I)
• Experience in software design such as design patterns, GUI development, multi-threading etc. (I)
• Experience in taking highly scientific and mathematical complex user requirements and translate these into production code. (I)

Special Requirements:

The role may include occasional UK and overseas travel, including to the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) in Switzerland.
Please be aware that on occasions you will be working in classified radiation areas and in relevant science support laboratories and beamlines.

Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the Recruitment Policy and associated guidance (link) for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your line manager and the designated HR team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place.

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About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel.

We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

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 .

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

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.