IT Specialist - Geomagnetism & Space Weather

BGS – NERC – UKRI

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

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

About the role

We have an exciting permanent opportunity for a skilled and experienced IT Specialist to join the BGS Geomagnetism Team, which sits in our Multi-hazards and 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.

We apply our science in precision navigation, including directional drilling as well as researching the effect of space weather on ground-based and near-earth technology and our environment.

The primary duties/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 Python, JavaScript and Java, web applications including 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).
• Design software solutions (and documentation) for IT developments proposed by a wide range of IT and non-IT stakeholders.

You will also get the chance to:

• Take a leading role in the development and maintenance 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 your IT work.

About you

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

We are looking for someone who has demonstrable experience of programming in Python and at least one other mainstream language, ideally JavaScript, and have strong examples of technical problem solving.

Please note – you 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 your employment.

Please also refer to the additional specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 16th April 2023. Interviews are expected to be held in late April 2023 in Edinburgh.

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