Research Software Developer

Role Description

The Department of Environment and Geography is seeking a Research Software Developer

The advertised post of graduate research software developer (grade 5) is associated with an industry funded project between Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. and the Universities of York and Bristol. The overall project aims to update an existing research software code by refactoring and porting to modern programming languages. The code will examine how geological formations offshore of Brazil were created. The key aspects to this post are the refactoring of the existing research software, writing documentation and training materials, and communicating progress and results to project partners. The post will also involve the implementation and testing of new algorithms as designed by the research team. The role is therefore suited to an individual with a background in mathematics, physics or earth sciences with software development experience or a software developer with an interest in geology or physical geography. You will be managed by the University of York principal investigator, but work closely with researchers at the University of Bristol and Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.

The successful candidate will be part of the Environmental Modelling Research Group; a vibrant and supportive research group within the Department of Environment and Geography at the University of York. The group has a passion for using cutting-edge software and numerical techniques in environmental contexts to solve real-world problems. We work with a wide group of collaborators on a range of issues in the geological past, the present and the future. The group is an ardent user of open source software wherever possible and making sure our research is made as accessible as possible. 

The Environment and Geography department is a supportive and community-oriented department that has a strong commitment to upholding our core values (embracing diversity, making a positive difference, environmental sustainability, being friendly and helpful, and always learning). Our department is highly integrated within an exciting array of environmental sustainability endeavours at our university, such as the Environmental Sustainability Academy at York and the Stockholm Environmental Institute (York), providing many opportunities for interdisciplinary working and networking across the university and beyond. The department is proud to hold an Athena Swan Silver Award.

Role 

You will join a new and exciting project that aims to port an existing scientific research code, written in IDL, to a modern programming language (Python). This code simulates the deposition of carbonate sediments and the resulting geology in a range of settings. The code is used in both academia and industry and this project is funded by an industrial partner. This post is available until April 2028. Key duties involve refactoring the existing code, written in IDL, into Python using modern software development processes. You will also be responsible for reporting progress to stakeholders and the project team in both written and verbal forms. Documentation and training others on the use of the software will also form part of your role. 

Key qualifications and skills are a 2:1 BSc degree in a numerate subject, experience of working with research quality software, knowledge of modern software development techniques in Microsoft Windows and Linux environments, and a willingness to learn new skills and techniques. Further details of essential and desirable personal specifications are given in the full job description. 

You will be part of a supportive team of researchers in both the Universities of York and Bristol, with the role based in the new Environment Building at the University of York. 

This post is available at 100% FTE on a fixed contract. Please note that flexible working patterns and job sharing opportunities will be considered. Salary commencing at £31,637 per annum.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed: 

• Knowledge of modern software development techniques

• Knowledge of revision control systems, such as git

• Knowledge of Python

• Knowledge of, and experience with, object-oriented design, design patterns and refactoring.

• Experience of working on software projects

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Jon Hill (project lead) at jon.hill@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork