Scientific Computing Graduate Didcot, England
Job description
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Open Ended
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire OR Science and Technology Facilities Council, Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington
In the Scientific Computing Department (SCD) (https://stfc.ukri.org/SCD), we research, develop and support leading edge high-performance computational & data storage infrastructures and scientific software to perform and support world class science. We have over 240 staff in roles such as systems management, research software engineering, open science and computational science developing projects and services to make a real difference to the scientific communities we support. We help our communities by providing systems and software to help analyse, simulate and visualise research data.
The Graduate Scheme
The STFC Graduate scheme will give you the opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion early in your journey with us, supported by technical training and a broader programme of career support and training and development
Our dedicated Graduate Development Team will provide the right combination of challenge and support throughout, helping you achieve your ambitions. We know that professional recognition is also important to you too, so we will provide mentoring and expertise to help you achieve valued qualifications or chartered status in your chosen field.
STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours. For more information on our full list of benefits, please visit here.
Summary of key duties & responsibilities
As a Scientific Computing graduate, you’ll be embedded in a team working on projects and production services to help in the development of new research data management systems, scientific software, open science, computing and cloud platforms.
Working in a series of teams through the first two years you will make a real difference to the scientific and technical capability of the department whilst developing your expertise in:
- Linux, cloud, high performance computing, systems management and hardware
- Data storage and management of large complex scientific datasets
- Software engineering, open science and scientific software development
- Project Management
- Working with scientists to deliver to their requirements
We use a large range of technologies and training is offered to ensure you have the right skills for the work.
Responsibilities
Each Scientific Computing graduate will undertake four 6 month projects with the outputs being used beyond the end of each project. You will be embedded in technical teams and will be responsible for the technical development and outcomes of your project.
Past projects have included:
- Deploying and running private clouds using OpenStack
- Software engineering of new tools to manage large scale data.
- Developing and installing new system tools to monitor 10,000s CPU cores and 100s Petabytes of data
- Programming of new scientific analysis and simulation applications
More details on these projects can be found on our website https://www.scd.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/Graduate-Programme.aspx
As your skills and abilities develop your level of responsibility will increase.
In order to apply for the role we are looking for the following:
- You’ll need to have, or be on course to achieve, a minimum 2:1 degree, in a relevant field of study
- Have the right to live and work in the UK at time of starting employment
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
At least one of the items listed below. These may have been gained as part of a final year project.
- Experience of Linux system management, clouds, PC/server hardware or networking
- Programming experience, preferably in one of Java, Javascript, C, C++ and Python, or similar
- Experience of Software engineering methodologies
Plus at least one of the following:
- Managing a project
- Using scientific computational software
- Working in a team
- Understanding of IT security
- Ability to communicate technical information to different audiences
Personal Skills, Qualities and Attributes
Essential:
- The willingness to learn new skills, both technical and non-technical
- Open minded and flexible in relation to the type of work assigned to them
- Good communication skills, able to influence people at all levels
- Demonstrate good team working capabilities
Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.
We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
