UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW
26/06/2026
Full time
Job Purpose Are you a Software Engineer who thrives on solving complex problems through hands on development and in collaboration with researchers and end users? The Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC) is seeking a Research Software Engineer to play a central role in designing and delivering innovative software and data science solutions that unlock the potential of urban data for research, policy, and public impact. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys collaborating with researchers and end users, architecting systems, and building tools that make complex datasets accessible, interactive, and actionable. As an RSE, you will be responsible for the end to end development of robust data analytics pipelines, scalable applications, and intuitive user interfaces. You will work directly with interdisciplinary teams of researchers, data scientists, and external partners to co create impactful solutions that support data intensive social research. This is a unique opportunity to join a mission driven organisation that values innovation, technical excellence, and real world impact. At UBDC, you'll be part of a dynamic environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Main Duties and Responsibilities Apply and direct the use of state of the art software engineering (including agile project management, data science and artificial intelligence) to address challenges faced by University of Glasgow researchers. Liaise with UBDC and external researchers, administrators, and end user stakeholders to capture requirements and translate them into effective technical solutions. Design, develop and maintain production grade front end applications and visual interfaces to support data exploration, analysis, and public engagement. Operationalise and maintain backend and platform technologies (e.g., databases, ETL pipelines, GraphQL APIs via Hasura, REST APIs, file storage and authentication services) to ensure secure, efficient data delivery. Support UBDC researchers with ad hoc technical tasks relating to dataset generation, model development, and analysis. Database administration and query development, including performance optimisation and SQL based analytics. Maintain and update landing websites hosted in Webflow. Document developed systems and provide training, client manuals, and technical workshops as needed. Support publication of data assets, including preparation of formats, metadata, and access methods. Continue to learn new methods, frameworks, and technologies to support innovation in software engineering for urban data research. Knowledge and Qualifications Essential Knowledge and Qualifications A1 Degree (or equivalent experience) in IT, Computer Science, or related discipline. A2 Specialist knowledge of software engineering, including backend and frontend development methodologies. A3 Strong programming expertise for data driven, user facing applications (e.g., JavaScript/React/Next.js, Python, Node). A4 Skills in database administration (e.g., PostgreSQL) and integration of APIs. A5 Experience with designing, developing, deploying and maintaining production ready web systems. A6 Excellent communication skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams. Desirable Knowledge B1 Knowledge of geospatial data structures and visualisation tools. B2 Skills in user centred design, including collaborative design software such as Figma or Adobe Creative Suite. B3 Familiarity with SCRUM project management, including backlog tracking and sprint planning. B4 Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and containerisation/orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes). B5 Experience maintaining CMS driven websites (e.g., Webflow). Essential Skills C1 Sufficient professional experience (or equivalent) in software engineering roles. C2 Strong experience building software applications for data driven contexts. C3 Proven experience integrating APIs and operating production databases. Desirable Skills D1 Experience supporting data intensive research projects. D2 Experience developing or maintaining geospatial applications. D3 Experience with deploying software services on cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and containerisation/orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes). Essential Experience E1 Software development expertise, including modern frameworks and libraries (e.g., React, Next.js, JavaScript/TypeScript) for building production grade user interfaces. E2 Strong skills in user centred design activities such as requirements analysis, collaborative system design and evaluation for user facing applications. E3 Database administration and query optimisation (e.g., PostgreSQL), including schema design and SQL query development. E4 Experience with API integration and development, including RESTful web services and GraphQL (e.g., Hasura). E5 Proven ability to manage workload effectively, meet deadlines, and adapt flexibly to evolving project requirements. E6 Ability to apply agile project management practices (e.g., SCRUM), including backlog management, sprint planning, and team facilitation. E7 Ability to prepare technical documentation, proposals, and user training materials. Desirable Experience F1 Skills in maintaining and updating CMS driven websites (e.g., Webflow). F2 Experience and skills with big data analysis and management. Job Features Responsibility for the management of large complex databases. Collaborate with other RSEs on routine programming and system management tasks. Plan and organise own workload effectively and efficiently, completing tasks within tight time constraints. Proactively facilitate senior Centre personnel and service user requirements in a flexible and ordered fashion. Participate in the identification of significant and critical issues affecting the progress of projects and communicate such issues to Centre personnel in a timely fashion. Apply specialist knowledge in software engineering and make independent decisions, recommending changes to current practices when appropriate. Recommend new IT solutions and enhanced functionality to improve the efficiency of routinely collected urban data to clients. Liaise regularly with colleagues, senior management, and external partners to develop user applications. Recognise and resolve issues within software development and data management, flagging critical issues to senior personnel, and offering solutions and advice at a technical level. Contribute to the Centre's reputation by providing high standard work and innovative technological solutions. Occasional work outside normal working hours may be required. Terms and Conditions Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum. This post is full time and fixed term for up to 31.10.2028 (fixed end date). The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship. Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if transferable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit Equal Opportunity Statement We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community at We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.