Scientific Computing Graduate

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.