Job Description

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2027 in the first instance.


In the face of the present climate crisis, there is pressing need for skilled software engineers to aid climate scientists in delivering a new generation of high-quality, high-performance, and high-assurance models. This is the broad aim of these RSE posts at the new Institute of Computing for Climate Science (ICCS) at the University of Cambridge.


ICCS hosts a team of Research Software Engineers who are working directly with four international Schmidt Futures' Virtual Earth Systems Research Institutes (VESRI) to directly address specific computation and research software needs of climate scientists. The team of RSEs will also interact closely with researchers based at ICCS. Thus, this provides a unique opportunity to be involved in research projects directly connected to climate science but also broader research into supporting climate science through computer science, software engineering, and data science.


RSEs will be part of a team, with training and guidance provided by the Engineering Lead, the Head of Research Software Engineering and the Computer Science lead. RSEs will be encouraged to develop their own ideas and will also be encouraged to take part in training, including the opportunity to help run training sessions for PhDs and other scientists. The post also includes funding to support travel to conferences and for training activities to support career development, as well as dining rights at Queens' college three times per week.

Essential requirements for the role include:

Degree-level education or equivalent experience. Experience in software engineering (SE), including a strong track record of employing SE best practises and use of development and productivity tools (e.g., Git/GitHub, JIRA) Good knowledge of a programming language such as Fortran, C++, C, Python. Testing and associated technologies for enabling automated testing.

Experience of working in a scientific context is desirable but not essential.


We are keen to recruit an applicant with a specialism in either; AI/Machine Learning, Climate Science/Numerical Modelling, or High-Performance Computing but it is not a requirement to have experience in all three of these areas.


To ensure balance within the team, one of the two advertised roles will be designated towards a candidate with Climate Science/Numerical modelling experience. We are particularly interested in candidates with experiences in large GCMs (e.g., CESM, GFDL models, IPSL) though experience in smaller models is also appreciated.


When considering the criteria please ensure to reflect on your experience in the broadest sense including transferable skills.


The University has a flexible working policy and versatile hybrid/remote working policies. We support staff working in a range of scenarios to ensure productivity in their respective posts.


We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.


We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.


Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.


If you would like more information about this role, informal enquiries can be directed by email to recruitment@uis.cam.ac.uk


Please quote reference VC44346 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.


The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.


The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.