Graduate Web Developer Didcot 2021

ISIS 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 to 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.

Software is a crucial part of all science at ISIS. The ISIS computing division provides all of the software needs for scientists. In particular the User Programme Software and Systems Operations groups provide the systems for proposal management, scheduling and other business critical systems. The ISIS computing division is a growing area and plays a vital role in supporting the ISIS facility.

Your responsibilities 

The roles will support us in the development of new software and systems for running our user and experiment programme (primarily web development).

As part of a team you will be involved in all stages of the software development lifecycle, from requirements capture through design, coding, testing, deployment and running high quality production services. You will get to work in a range of teams and projects using Agile/Scrum methodologies. You will be given real responsibility and ownership in an encouraging environment.

• Communicate and work with fellow software engineers as well as customers, scientists, engineers, and management, including writing documentation
• Design solutions making use of appropriate techniques and tools
• Write clear, well-structured code that implements the design and is easy to maintain
• Test and deploy your solutions, including helping to provide support after release
• Take an active role in both technical and non-technical meetings
• Participate in the wider department and STFC graduate training programme.

Once you are settled in, you will also

• Lead work packages and projects through to completion.
• Help colleagues with less experience get up to speed.
• Supervise/mentor junior colleagues.

Training will be provided as required. In addition to a full induction and “on the job” training, we offer the opportunity to subscribe to professional online tutorial sites, attend conferences, attend technical courses and undertake various soft skills training.

Knowledge, skills and experience 

• A strong academic background and be on track to gain a First or 2:1 in computer science, software engineering or any other scientific/engineering degree.
• Experience of developing software with significant exposure to object-oriented programming and a good knowledge of development tools.
• A professional, proactive approach to finding solutions.

We also expect you to be able to

• Work with others on projects and solve problems of varying complexity together.
• Approach your work positively, with an open mind and be organised.
• Demonstrate a detailed and analytical approach to problem solving.
• Write and speak clearly in a way that is suitable for your audience.
• Take initiative and work effectively with limited supervision at times.

If you have the experience, knowledge, and skills that we are looking for then we want to hear from you. We would also like to know what specific areas of software development interest you or you have experience in.

This role is based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire but there may be scope to work from home for some of the time on a regular or occasional basis.

What you'll need

Essential

• Obtained first degree bachelors or Masters, (not doctorate) in a relevant subject in either 2020, 2021 or be due to receive it in 2022 
• Expected or have achieved a 2:1 or above 
• The right to live and work in the UK 

Desirable 

• A membership of an appropriate professional institution and degree that meets educational requirements for chartered status with appropriate professional institution
• A Minimum of three A-levels at grade C or above (or equivalent e.g. BTEC/international examinations) 

Other skills

Essential

• Experience of object-oriented software development in Java, C#, C++, Python or similar.

Desirable 

• Very strong candidates will likely have experience from a sandwich or vacation placement or internship, but experience does not have to be paid experience. For example, it could be a project you have done as part of a university module, your final year project, a personal project, or an open-source/volunteer project you have contributed to.
• Knowledge of software development tools, methodologies and best practices 
• Knowledge of relational database design and SQL 
• Experience in software development on both Windows and UNIX platforms 

Personal Skills, Qualities and Attributes 

Essential

• Good communication skills and the ability to influence people at all levels 
• Ability to work well in a team 
• Demonstrate good problem solving abilities

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) 

The STFC is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we’re trusted to support, enable and undertake ground-breaking projects in an outstanding diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving progressive advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.

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.

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.