Geomagnetic & Space Weather IT Specialist

This role is based at the BGS offices in Edinburgh, which are situated on the Heriot-Watt University campus

UKRI Pay Band D (or, depending on experience, UKRI Pay Band C)

Pay Band D starting salary is from £31,931 to £34,709 (per annum (with Pay Band C ranging from £25,702 to £27,938 per annum). (The higher Band will be applicable for strong applicants who as well as demonstrating the additional essential criteria, can also demonstrate most/all of the other desirable criteria for this post)

A great benefits package is also offered, including an outstanding pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time

Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible working options may be available, including some hybrid working, in line with BGS policy)

This is a permanent appointment subject to a six-month probation period

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated IT Specialist or Scientist with a strong IT background to join the BGS Geomagnetism Team, which is part of our Multi-hazards & Resilience challenge area.

The Geomagnetism Team undertakes long-term monitoring of the Earth’s magnetic field through the operation of magnetic observatories in the UK and overseas. We research the magnetic field changes in observatory and satellite data that result from space weather and solar activity and how this impacts modern technology.

The key responsibilities of this role will be to:

• Develop IT interfaces for new and on-going Space Weather products and services, as well as commercial data products, models, and services.
• Design and implement web services that present science data (time series as well as spatially varying outputs) to a wide range of users including the public.
• Help to maintain and develop existing systems, in particular JavaScript and Python web applications for real-time data delivery and display.
• Take the lead in a particular area of IT development that is important to our future business (e.g. Containerisation, Cloud Computing, Machine Learning) [Experience essential for UKRI Band D].
• Create requirements (and documentation) for IT developments proposed by a wide range of IT and non-IT stakeholders [Experience essential for UKRI Band D].

There will also be the opportunity for you to:

• Take a leading role in the development of one or more of our software products.
• Provide IT support to Geomagnetism colleagues.
• Undertake training (if necessary) to understand basic geomagnetism and space weather as a background to the IT work.
• Pursue a programme of continuing professional development in IT.
• Supervise staff and manage projects as required [Essential experience for UKRI Band D].

About you

You should have a Degree in an IT related discipline or another, such as Space Science, Geophysics, Physics or Mathematics, but with significant IT content (or significant equivalent work experience). An MSc or professional qualification in an IT related discipline would also be highly desirable.

Can you demonstrate experience of programming in at least two languages, ideally Python and JavaScript, and have strong examples of technical problem solving?

The closing date for receipt of applications is 8th January 2023.

Customer advert reference: 220001B6

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