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Scientific Software Engineer positions at the UK Met Office

Posted on 6 March 2015

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Scientific Software Engineer positions at the UK Met Office

Posted by n.chuehong on 6 March 2015 - 2:34pm

The UK Met Office is currently recruiting scientific software engineers (at varying levels of seniority). Please see the job advert below for more details. Closing date is 29th March 2015.

 

Met Office Scientific Software Engineers (varying levels of seniority)
£26,010-£35,040 depending on skills and experience + competitive benefits, including Civil Service Pension
Based in Exeter, Devon


About the role
As a world-leading climate research centre, we undertake scientific research into many aspects of climate and its variability and changes. Right now, we have a "big data" challenge on our hands with the EU Surface Temperature for All Corners of Earth (EUSTACE) project. Implementing and using novel statistical techniques, we're aiming to provide information on surface air temperature for every day since 1850 over "all corners of the Earth". EUSTACE is one of the most significant projects of its kind ever to be conducted and presents exciting challenges and a rewarding career opportunity for a Scientific Software Engineer to join us.

In this impactful role, you'll contribute to an important global system as you work with scientists and statisticians to turn statistical techniques into robust, efficient code that will enable the delivery of new EUSTACE products. Involved in the full development lifecycle, you'll design, code, test and document the system under an appropriate configuration management system. We'd like you to work collaboratively with scientists and statisticians, understanding their methods and taking prototype code to development. Joining our culture of innovation, you'll also enjoy world-class learning opportunities and the chance to work on other high profile projects.

European travel is likely to be included as you consult with our European partners, although this is not essential. Part time and flexible working may be considered.

Please note that sponsorship to work in the UK may be available for this post.

About the person
Bringing well-honed communication skills and a proactive approach you'll use your strong attention to detail and tenacious manner to effectively contribute to this high profile project.

In order to be considered for this exciting opportunity, you'll need to have the following essential criteria:

  1. A good degree (2:1 or above, or 2:2 plus higher degree or equivalent) in computer science, computing, maths or physical science.
  2. Demonstrated ability to design, code, test, document and deliver scientific software systems or significant components to large systems with due consideration of appropriate configuration management.
  3. Demonstrated ability in more than one programming language, e.g. Fortran, Python, C++ and R.
  4. Demonstrated experience of writing efficient code to handle large scientific data sets and a good understanding of the strategies needed to enable this.
  5. A background in mathematics or statistics, i.e. proven ability acquired through study and/or work.
  6. Demonstrated experience of working effectively in a collaborative environment.
  7. Strong self-motivation and proven ability to overcome challenges in your work.

If you have any of the following desirable criteria, that's even better:

  1. A demonstrated understanding of the concepts behind statistical techniques such as maximum likelihood estimation, regression and​ Bayesian methods.
  2. Proven experience of delivering large, efficient scientific software systems.
  3. Proven experience of turning others' scientific or statistical developments into good quality code.
  4. Proven ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
  5. Demonstrated experience of mentoring others to develop their coding and quality assurance skills.

About the Met Office
Through world-leading science and cutting-edge technology, through idea generation and enthusiasm, we collaborate to challenge the ordinary every day because we believe in the best. The best for our customers, the best for your career. It's a career where you'll be challenged, developed and fascinated; a career where whatever you do, your work will make a valuable contribution to the bigger picture. A career to be proud of.

What we can offer you
We're constantly moving forwards, looking to optimise our abilities. Which is why, joining us, we'll invest in your development to help you be the very best you can be in whatever it is that you do. Rewards? There are plenty of those too. A competitive pension, opportunities for flexible working, performance-related pay schemes, some great benefits as well as 27.5 days' holiday, which increases to 32.5 days after five years.

Apply
To find out more, and to apply online, please visit http://bit.ly/1G0E2TW.

Closing date: 29th March 2015.

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