Software Developer Digital Vision 2023

The Software Development Group in Jisc works closely with the different product families in Jisc to create products that meet their vision and the users’ requirements. Focussing on the technical innovation and software delivery, we pride ourselves on building the right thing, and building the thing right. We do this using agile methodologies, with continuous testing, architecting, integration, delivery, and validated learning.

About our Software Development Group and your team

Our extensive Software Development Group in Jisc works closely with the different product families in Jisc to create products that meet their vision and the users’ requirements. Focussing on the technical innovation and software delivery, we pride ourselves on ‘building the right thing, and building the thing right’. We do this using agile methodologies, with continuous testing, architecting, integration, delivery, and validated learning.

You are expected to be full-stack. In practice, developers will often gravitate towards frontend/API/infrastructure work, but they are expected to have an appreciation for and to work across the whole stack. Salary is dependent on the role holder’s experience, with the lower range there to accommodate someone on a development plan and not yet performing all responsibilities.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Contribute to the development of a range of applications to support Jisc’s services by writing high quality code to agreed standards.
• Follow Jisc’s process for secure application and software development.
• Work with users, product owners and team members to understand requirements, and help translate these into development tasks.
• Participate in software testing and release cycles.
• Demonstrate application features to users, either face to face, or remotely.
• Follow internal processes and standards for managing software development across its lifecycle, from initial design to regular feature releases and bug fixes.
• Maintain an understanding of application use with colleges, universities, students and staff, ensuring software developed matches their needs and expectations.
• Be flexible about working on different projects as Jisc’s needs and priorities evolve over time

Location: Hybrid - flexibility to work from home or at any of our main hubs (London, Bristol, Manchester and Harwell)

Key Skills and Experience

• A willingness and passion for learning new technology as required.
• The ability to act and work both independently and as an enthusiastic team member.
• Ability to develop expertise in new languages and technologies as required.
• The ability to teach and mentor other developers and lead them to achieving the team’s goal.
• Experience in at least one of: Java, JavaScript, Python, C#.
• Some experience with Terraform, Node.js, AWS, Azure, Docker, RESTful API design, React, WCAG accessibility guidelines, mobile development will be great

Don’t meet every single requirement?

We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they think they can’t tick every box but we realise the ‘perfect candidate’ doesn’t exist. So, if you can do most of what we’re looking for, go ahead and apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!
Please refer to the job description for full details.

About Jisc

Jisc is the UK higher, further education and skills sectors’ not-for-profit organisation for digital services and solutions. We believe education and research improves lives, and technology improves education and research.
Our vision is for the UK to be a world leader in technology for education and research and our mission is to power and empower our members with the technology and data they need to succeed. We know that digital technology has the ability to transform the student experience. We have the experience, expertise and know-how to drive that transformation.

At Jisc, everyone plays a key role and gets the chance to feel part of it, that to us is the definition of a meaningful career. We want to create a culture of lifelong learning. You can look forward to a rewarding job with opportunities to develop and make a real difference to the education and research sectors.
We celebrate diversity, embrace our differences and know that this is critical for our success. We work hard to make sure we’re inclusive and we are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion. So, if you are great at what you do and share our values, we want to hear from you.

Why work at Jisc

At Jisc we believe a balance between your personal and professional life is essential to your happiness and fulfilment. We work flexibly at Jisc and focus on outputs rather than presenteeism and are open to a whole range of ways of working. It isn’t about how many hours you spend at home or at work; it’s about the flow you establish that brings energy to both parts of your life.
We offer hybrid working and although the majority of our staff work from home, getting face to face is something we value and find time for when we can. If you prefer an office environment all our hubs are open and offer a great space to work.

Our benefits are great too. We offer:

• Flexible work pattern, which can adapt to suit your schedules and personal commitments
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an additional three closure days over Christmas
• A generous pension scheme with above average employer contributions
• A range of leave options, including parental leave, volunteer leave and even career breaks.
• A generous budget to attend conferences and in-person training
• Allocated allowance of up to £250 to equip your home office
• A company culture which supports and promotes personal learning and development, including access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning
• Mental health first aid trained staff and supportive environment, plus your own Wellbeing allowance to spend on wellbeing for you
• Financial well-being support
• Discounts on big-name high-street stores
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee recognition awards and travel loans
• Additional Flexible benefits include Holiday Buying - Purchase 1-5 days’ additional holiday per annum, Healthcare Cashplan, Electric Car Lease Scheme and option to purchase SmartTech

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Jisc, we strive to be best in practice and are working hard to achieve progressive change. ‘Always inclusive’ is one of our six guiding principles - a principle which actively encourages acceptance of differences within individuals.
We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, neurodivergence, trans status, veteran status or gender identity.

Application process

Please do let us know what reasonable adjustments you need made to the application or selection process so you can do your best. We will be happy to help you.
Just so you know, we review CVs as we receive them, and interview as soon as we have applications that look like a good match (usually within a week). We don’t use closing dates. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this role.