Senior Scientific Software Advisor

Grade 8

The post holder is a member of the Advanced Research Computing (ARC) group. As a key member of the ARC service, the successful candidate will be responsible for working with Oxford researchers to ensure the efficient use of local and external research computing platforms through the development and optimisation of effective scientific software applications. In addition to code development and optimisation activities, the successful candidate will also be a source of best practice, advice and training for research software development.

The position is part of a vibrant and growing activity that is at the heart of research computing at the University of Oxford and provides an exciting opportunity for someone seeking to develop their career in research software engineering across multiple architectures.

Essential selection criteria

  • Degree or equivalent qualification in a scientific or technical discipline
  • Familiarity and experience with the architecture and utilisation of HPC systems (building and installing parallel code, using job schedulers)
  • Demonstrable experience in the development of parallel software applications (preferably using MPI and/or OpenMP),  as well as the use of parallel programming tools (debuggers, profilers) and parallel scientific libraries
  • System administration experience in Linux HPC environments
  • Demonstrable experience of development for Linux/Unix environments
  • Demonstrable experience in using one or more of: C, C++, Java, and Fortran and interpreted languages (in particular Python and/or Perl)
  • Proven ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and respond positively and effectively to changing user priorities and requirements
  • Demonstrable good interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate effectively and engage in a collaborative effort
  • A broad interest in IT infrastructure and application development

Desirable selection criteria

  • Post-graduation experience of working in a research-focused setting
  • Experience of working to a recognised best practice framework or methodology within general IT or software engineering
  • Experience in the development and delivery training in HPC and Research Software Engineering
  • Experience of conducting RSE work packages within a grant receiving support from an external research funder (such as RCUK, charities)

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