Research Software Engineer (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 9 April 2027.

The Department of Computer Science and Technology is an academic department that encompasses computer science along with many aspects of engineering, technology and mathematics. We have a world-wide reputation for academic research with consistent top research ratings. The Department has an open and collaborative culture, supporting revolutionary fundamental computer science research, strong cross-cutting collaborations internally and externally, and ideas which transform computing outside the University. Please follow the link at: to find out more about our Department.

Research Software Engineer (full-time) is a temporary role providing cover for a staff research engineer taking parental leave, whose current responsibilities include:

• Supporting external research clients consuming our CheriBSD kernel compartmentalisation prototype.
• Performing evaluation activities, such as performance overhead measurement, analysis, and optimisation on our CheriBSD kernel compartmentalisation prototype
• Implement user level RVY instruction emulation support for the QEMU emulator.
• Support open-source software package cross-building infrastructure and processes.
• Work independently to support and contribute to the research and engineering activities of the larger CHERI Research Centre.

The role will be based within the CHERI Research Centre (CRC), which performs CHERI-related research and facilitates industrial adoption of the CHERI technology. The CRC works alongside CHERI Alliance CIC, a non-profit organisation to promote and support CHERI use, and of which the University of Cambridge is a founding member.

The successful candidate will have existing experience with CHERI and the RISC-V instruction set (ideally including a past implementation of the RV64 ISA in emulation or microarchitecture), the C/C++ programming languages, operating systems, and collaborative git-based development. A Bachelor s degree in Computer Science or a related degree, or equivalent industrial experience, will be essential to this role. A PhD in relevant subject or equivalent experience would be desirable but not essential.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Christian Fernandez Perotti Email:

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.