Part-time Research Software Engineer - Conservation Evidence Research Group (Fixed term)

There is an exciting opportunity to join the Conservation Evidence Research Group as a Research Software Engineer, working alongside conservation and computer scientists. The appointment will be for an initial period of up to 12 months part-time, with the possibility of extension subject to project status and funding , starting as soon as possible.

Conservation Evidence collaborates globally across disciplines and sectors to deliver the evidence needs of the conservation community. The group's aim is to ensure that evidence for the effectiveness of conservation actions is easily accessible and embedded within decision making, and we maintain the world's most comprehensive database on what works in conservation: www.conservationevidence.com.

The Research Software Engineer will join an interdisciplinary project and see their technical expertise have real world impacts on nature and biodiversity conservation. The project aims to develop an innovative infrastructure that combines artificial intelligence, namely large language models, and human expertise to transform evidence synthesis, while maintaining academic rigour. The Research Software Engineer will work closely with both conservation science and evidence synthesis experts, as well as computer scientists and be responsible for designing, developing and testing well documented software, maintaining databases, and deploying software in a production environment.

The successful applicant will be a highly skilled software engineer, with demonstrable experience in  software development tools (e.g. Git/GitHub), rapid prototyping, basic database administration in a Linux environment, competence in designing, building and maintaining Django applications, familiarity building front ends in HTML, and good knowledge of programming languages such as JavaScript, HTML, SQL, Python (or similar). They will also demonstrate good problem-solving skills and enjoy working collaboratively to find innovative solutions that deliver on the needs of the project and wider team.

The role will be based on site in the departments of Zoology and Computer Science, with hybrid working arrangements possible.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Sam Reynolds (sar87@cam.ac.uk).

Please upload a copy of your CV (maximum 2 sides of A4) and a covering letter (maximum 1 side of A4).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 12 months in the first instance.

Flexible working requests will be considered.

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

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.

Email: an286@cam.ac.uk

Telephone: (0)1223 330117

Please quote reference PF45321 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.

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