Research Associate / Fellow: Software Engineer

Job Purpose

Applications are invited for a position to join the digital chemistry and chemputation team lead by Prof Lee Cronin () in the area of software and database development for chemputation working in a multidisciplinary team. You will have skills and/or interested in some of the following: artificial intelligence, organic chemistry, robotics, embedded firmware development, chemical automation, programming, scripting languages such as Python, and algorithm development.

You will have extensive experience of software development / PhD in Computing or in Chemistry with a strong computing background or experience of software development from industry.

For appointments at grade 8 some post doctorial experience in multiple areas as listed above, or at the interdisciplinary interface and / or some expertise in research co-ordination and running a team would be required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal/Co Investigator:

1. Take a role leading the software team in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy;
2. Take a role and lead as appropriate in the development of software development for chemputation and database development;
3. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate;
4. Survey the literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area and develop/implement a suitable strategy.
5. Take a role and lead as appropriate in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners)
6. Take a role and lead as appropriate in team/group meetings/seminar/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College
7. Help in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development;
8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and school, including budgets/expenditure;
9. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the PI.

For appointment at Grade 8

1. To present research findings at conferences, seminars, and meetings
2. To take a primary role in working with current Cronin-group industrial collaborators, centres, and potential industrial end users;
3. To make a leading contribution to the management of the team/project.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Knowledge and Qualifications Essential

• A1. PhD in Chemistry / Computing Science with strong software background or equivalent experience acquired in software developmentplus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience
• A2. Some expertise in GUI development
• A3. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism
• A4. Knowledge of project-specific technical models, equipment or techniques
• A5. Knowledge of specialist IT software (e.g. Python, C, GitHUB, MatLab, LabView, R) as appropriate

For appointment at Grade 8

• A6. Knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area
• A7. Experience leading a team of scientists or software engineers
• A8. Proven skills in management of teams of researchers and delivery of research output (meetings / publications / reports)

Skills Essential

• C1. Computer programming with interest in automation in any guise
• C2. Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate
• C3. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communication complex data/concepts clearly and concisely
• C4. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach
• C5. Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills
• C6. Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate
• C7. Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working
• C8. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach
• C10. MATLAB or other programming languages (as noted above)

For appointment at Grade 8

• C11. Able to work both individually as well as part of a team and manage staff members as appropriate to disseminate finding to colleagues
• C12. Strong cross-discipline collaborative ability, including evidence of working across industry and academia
• C13. Able to work in both industrial and academic environments with a good understanding of key legislative and policy frameworks
• C14. Comfortable developing expertise in multiple fields

Desirable

• D1. Exploring chemistry using computer-based approaches
• D2. Comfortable developing expertise in multiple fields
• D3. Experience using Amazon Web Service (AWS) products

Experience Essential

• E1. Sufficient relevant research experience
• E2. Experience of scientific writing
• E3. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner
• E4. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities
• E5. Ability to demonstrate a degree in independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papers
• E6. Experience in undertaking independent research
• E7. Experience of computer programming / modelling

For appointment at Grade 8

• E8. A track record of presenting and publication of research results n quality journals / conferences
• E9. Experience of leading and contributing to applications for research grants
• E10. Experience in undertaking independent experimental, theoretical and applied research

Desirable

• F1. An emerging national or international reputation
• F2. Experience of robotic platforms, feedback control systems and databases

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7/Grade 8, £41,064 - £46,049/£50,253 - £58,225 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), and has funding for up to 12 months in the first instance.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1. A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2. An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook , benefits and discount packages.
3. A flexible approach to working.
4. A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University

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

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

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Closing Date: 15 April 2026