Senior Research Software Engineer

We are seeking an experienced full-time Research Software Engineer for MARS, a new £15M investment in "Mathematics for AI in Real-world Systems” within the School of Mathematics at Lancaster University.  You will play a pivotal role in supporting cutting-edge research projects in mathematics and AI, collaborating closely with researchers, academics, and IT professionals.

Projects will include translating novel fundamental mathematical research into solutions to support applications in Manufacturing, Environmental Science, Health, and Cybersecurity. These solutions will be developed in collaboration with industry and government partners, providing an opportunity to lead the development of MARS’s role in developing innovations to real-world challenges .

Key Senior RSE responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and implement complex software solutions for mathematical and AI research projects.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and programming languages, constantly innovating and adapting your approach.
• Lead the development of new software tools and techniques, potentially including APIs, user interfaces, and system integrations.
• Contribute to the planning and development of research software frameworks and architectures.
• Collaborate effectively with researchers to understand their needs, translating mathematical descriptions of algorithms, or proof-of-concept code, into practical software solutions.
• Provide technical support and training to researchers on using developed software tools.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, liaising with IT staff and academics to ensure successful project delivery.
• Contribute to grant proposals and reports related to software development within research projects.
• Contribute to the delivery of taught material within accredited courses alongside academic staff (depending on experience and qualifications).

Essential Senior RSE Skills and Experience:

• A Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• High level of competence as a software engineer, with a strong track record in leading research software development.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages commonly used in research (e.g., Python, C++, R, Julia, Java).
• Experience of deploying software on multiple operating systems (Linux, OSX, Windows) and multiple hardware solutions (multicore, GPU/TPU, clusters, cloud).
• Experience with version control and continuous integration systems like Git.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and design skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• A passion for innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible with software in research.

The School aims to meet the needs of each staff member within an inclusive environment: new members are provided with mentoring and support from a carefully selected group of colleagues, with a lead individual taking responsibility for personal development. We have held Athena Swan Bronze awards at University (2008) and School (2017) level, and we are a registered supporter of the London Mathematical Society’s Good Practice Scheme.

Potential applications are encourage to contact the Head of MARS, Prof Chris Jewell <c.jewell@lancaster.ac.uk>, or the School Director of Research, Prof Rebecca Killick <r.killick@lancaster.ac.uk> for informal enquiries.

Unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education.

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity. 

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