Senior Research Software Engineer

at  Lancaster University

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic full-time Research Software Engineer for MARS, a new £15M investment in applied mathematics and AI for real-world applications 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.
“MARS: Mathematics for AI in Real-world Systems” is an exciting new £15M investment at Lancaster University, expanding on our excellence in spatial epidemiological and environmental modelling. Bringing in 10 new academic posts, with associated research staff and students, MARS will revolutionise Lancaster’s research capacity in mathematics connecting systems modeling and AI methods, to support its flagship strategies in the applied sciences of Manufacturing, Environmental Science, Health, and Cybersecurity. This will be alongside new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, providing student opportunities to address a major skills-gap in the principles underlying AI and their application to real-world systems. These activities will allow us to reach out to industry and government partners as a regional, national, and global leader in next-generation mathematics. With E3 funding, MARS will become a unique national capability in the North West, pushing the boundaries of AI-driven modelling to tackle key challenges in the modern world.

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.
• Minimum 5 years of experience 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.
• Experience working in a research or academic setting is desirable.
• A passion for innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with software in research.

We welcome applications from all diversity groups. The School provides an environment aiming to meet the individual needs of each staff member. All 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 are committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies, and seek to promote a healthy work-life balance. The University is a charter member of Athena Swan and has held a Bronze award since 2008, in recognition of good employment practice to address gender equality in higher education and research. The School achieved its own Athena Swan Bronze award in 2017, (renewed in 2021) and is a registered supporter of the London Mathematical Society’s Good Practice Scheme. We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job-share basis wherever possible and habitually agree to flexible modes of working.
Potential applications are encourage to contact the Head of MARS, Prof Chris Jewell c.jewell@lancaster.ac.uk, or Professor Rachel McCrea, r.mccrea@lancaster.ac.uk.

• 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)