Software Support Scientist

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Detail information about job Software Support Scientist. Terms and conditions vacancy

About Us

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is one of Europe’s largest science research organisations. We’re trusted to support, enable and undertake pioneering projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving ground-breaking advances in science and engineering.

The ISIS neutron and muon facility is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences. Our suite of neutron and muon instruments gives unique insights into the properties of materials on the atomic scale. We support a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists for research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals and health care through to nanotechnology and materials engineering, catalysis and polymers and on to fundamental studies of materials.

About The Role

Reliable software is essential for effective delivery of our science programme. The Mantid framework has been developed by STFC and our international partners to provide a state of the art data treatment and analysis software package for data from the ISIS instrument suite. It has become the world leading software for neutron data reduction.

In this newly created role, you will focus on improving the user reliability of the Mantid software and take the lead in providing support and development of tools to enable this.

You will be responsible for working with our staff and visiting scientists to understand how they are using Mantid and where the problems are. You will then work with the Mantid development team to investigate and resolve these problems and to build automated tests to ensure long term reliability of the software. This is primarily a customer focused role to help support our diverse user base and is an excellent opportunity to join a large distributed team with scope to lead a new area within the team.

Duties will include;

• enhance the reliability of the Mantid software
• support scientists and developers using Mantid
• develop tools and tests to improve Mantid reliability (Python)
• help identify and solve Mantid stability issues.

About You

You will have a degree or equivalent experience in Physics or a scientific degree involving materials science. Experience of neutron scattering would be beneficial and training is available if necessary. You will be a fast learner, able to understand complex problems along with the ability to communicate well both orally and on paper, both formally and informally.

You will have a professional approach, an analytical, logical and quick learning mind, a ‘can do’ attitude and be able to communicate clearly and effectively with scientists and developers. Experience of development in Python is desirable, along with experience of automated testing, build automation and version control.

Benefits

An exceptional index linked pension scheme, 30 days leave allowance and flexible working are offered, as well as an onsite nursery, subsidised restaurant, a gym and sports facilities.

Full details of offered benefits can be found on STFC’s careers pages.

To Apply

Applicants are required to include a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role.

Applications are handled by UK SBS; to apply please visit our job board at http://www.topcareer.jobs/Vacancy/irc241867_7318.aspx . Applicants who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on +44 (0)1793 867000.

The closing date for applications is 17th September.