Senior Research Software Engineer

About us:

King’s Digital Lab (KDL - https://kdl.kcl.ac.uk/) is a Research Software Engineering (RSE) team embedded within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at King’s College London. We design and implement systems, infrastructure, tools and processes needed to produce a diverse range of high-quality digital scholarship. We have an open, collaborative culture, both within the Lab and with our research partners. We are deeply committed to co-research, working together through discovery, design, building and maintaining research outputs. KDL is constantly evolving as we explore new tools and methods.

About the role: 

Your main responsibility is to develop high-quality code to support product specifications and requirements in collaboration with research leads and the wider RSE team. You will have advanced expertise in at least one programming language and proficiency in others, along with a keen interest in software development. Your role involves producing research solutions, from data analysis pipelines to web applications, in a variety of domains. You may have specialised skills in areas such as machine learning/AI, data visualisation, creative technologies, or DevOps, alongside a core competency in web development. 

You will have the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of small to large research projects. A crucial aspect of the role is contributing to e-Research capability within the Lab and Faculty, as well as across the University. Awareness of best practices in software development, digital research methods, and data management is essential. 

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.

About you: 

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:  

Essential criteria 

• Expertise with modern web development stacks (e.g. JavaScript/TypeScript/Python, HTML/CSS, Node.js/Django, containerisation, CI/CD pipelines) including the ability to write and advocate for maintainable and well-tested code following best practices.
• Advanced proficiency in making well‑reasoned, complex technical decisions, using appropriate technologies and methodologies.  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills enabling responsibility for the technical direction within a project or service.
• Excellent collaboration, leadership and communication skills, with flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced teamworking environment with changing requirements. An inclusive approach, supporting a positive and open team culture, including the ability to guide/mentor others.
• Skills in data modelling for database design for research applications, ensuring flexible, extensible data schemas.
• Motivation for learning and integrating new technologies and digital humanities research methodologies, alongside the ability to contribute a strategic perspective on emerging technologies.   
• Demonstrable understanding of accessibility, security, privacy and ethical concerns for research apps. 

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of agile software methodologies and experience leading or participating in sprints/timeboxes.
• Experience contributing to training, workshops, or knowledge-sharing activities related to software engineering practices, advanced research methods, technical tools, design approaches or accessibility.
• Knowledge of/experience working in digital humanities, social sciences, or research within higher education or cultural heritage contexts.
• Experience with composable architectures (e.g. Jamstack), static web development, progressive enhancement and/or minimal computing.
• Knowledge of/experience with tools and practices related to KDL’s research themes (machine learning and AI, data visualisation, digital creativity, indigenous digital humanities) or other relevant specialist areas.

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