Assistance jobs in United Kingdom

As a Research Software Engineer at the Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC), University of Glasgow, you will play a key role in building robust, scalable software systems that unlock the potential of urban data for research and public impact. You’ll design and develop production-ready applications and intuitive user interfaces that make complex datasets accessible, interactive, and actionable for researchers, policymakers, and the wider public.

You will lead the development and maintenance of data-driven platforms, including databases, APIs, data pipelines, and authentication services, while ensuring seamless integration with dynamic front‑end environments. Applying user‑centred design principles, you will create tools and interfaces that are not only technically sound but also tailored to the needs and workflows of diverse users—ensuring usability, accessibility, and engagement across stakeholder groups.

This is a collaborative role where you’ll work closely with interdisciplinary teams of researchers, data scientists, and external partners across several projects. You’ll be part of a mission‑driven environment that values innovation, technical excellence, and real‑world impact, helping shape the future of cities through data. We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced research setting, brings strong software engineering skills, and is excited to contribute to meaningful societal change through thoughtful, user‑focused software development.

1. Design, development and maintenance of production‑grade frontend applications and visual interfaces to support data exploration, analysis, and public engagement.
2. Operationalisation and maintenance of 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.
3. Support UBDC researchers with ad hoc technical tasks relating to dataset generation, model development, and analysis.
4. Database administration and query development, including performance optimisation and SQL‑based analytics.
5. Maintain and update landing websites hosted in Webflow.
6. Liaise with UBDC researchers, administrators, and external stakeholders to capture requirements and translate them into effective technical solutions.
7. Document developed systems and provide training, client manuals, and technical workshops as needed.
8. Support publication of data assets, including preparation of formats, metadata, and access methods.
9. Continue to learn new methods, frameworks, and technologies to support innovation in software engineering for urban data research.

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

• A1 Degree (or equivalent experience) in IT, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• A2 Specialist knowledge of software engineering 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

• B1 Knowledge of geospatial data structures and visualisation tools.
• B2 Skills in user‑centred design, including working with 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).

Experience

Essential

• C1 At least 2 years’ professional experience (or equivalent) in software engineering roles.
• C2 Strong experience building frontend applications for data‑driven contexts.
• C3 Proven experience integrating APIs and operating production databases.

Desirable

• D1 Experience supporting data‑intensive research projects.
• D2 Experience developing or maintaining geospatial applications.

Skills

Essential

• E1 Frontend 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.

Desirable

• F1 Ability to apply agile project management practices (e.g., SCRUM), including backlog management, sprint planning, and team facilitation.
• F2 Skills in maintaining and updating CMS‑driven websites (e.g., Webflow).
• F3 Experience and skills with big data analysis and management.
• F4 Ability to prepare technical documentation, proposals, and user training materials.
• F5 Capabilities deploying software services with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and containerisation/orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), and has funding for up to 3 years in the first instance. Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

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 tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

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 https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, 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 https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

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 https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date: 4 January 2026 at 23:45