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 (www.croninlab.com ) 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

10.  To present research findings at conferences, seminars, and meetings

11.  To take a primary role in working with current Cronin-group industrial collaborators, centres, and potential industrial end users;

12.  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 development plus 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

C9. Good team leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills

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 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:  15 April 2026