Software Developer

This job has now expired please search on the home page to find live IT Jobs.

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's centre of excellence for oceanographic sciences. We are a national research organisation, delivering integrated marine science and technology from the coast to the deep ocean.  

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community whose focus is on improving the world in which we live. Our work is balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one NOC' approach. 

We have a rich history dating back to 1949, and our future has never looked more exciting as we aim to be the world's most innovative oceanographic institution.  

About the role 

The British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC), part of the National Oceanography Centre, provides a data management service for UK ocean science data, collected from a range of sources. Measurements are collected from, for example, fixed-position monitoring stations, autonomous underwater vehicles (floats and gliders), and research expeditions carried out across the globe. It is our responsibility to ingest, curate, and distribute these data (in line with FAIR and TRUST data principles), through our in-house software systems.  Our Software Development Team are responsible for the upkeep and development of these systems - some of which are recent greenfield development projects, while others have been in use for many years.

Based at our Liverpool site, you will work in our team of software developers, building, updating and maintaining the software. We use GitLab for software control management and follow Agile software development practices, namely Scrum. Our main development languages are Python, Java and MATLAB. The work is intellectually challenging and fulfilling. You will proactively develop software in a team setting across a range of sprints for different projects throughout the year.

Some of the tasks (and associated technologies) you might undertake on projects include:

Creating and maintaining webservices interacting with our various databases (Flask, SQLAlchemy, OracleDB/PostgreSQL/SQLite)

Creating microservices for project related processing (Flask-RESTX (Python), Dropwizard (Java))

Data ingestion and processing (Python, NumPy/Pandas, MATLAB)

Working with Oracle REST APIs (ORDS, PLSQL)

Automating server tasks (Bash)

Configuring CI/CD pipelines (GitLab CI, Python, Bash)

Writing automated tests (tox, pytest)

Some of our current projects include:

Enhancing and extending our Autonomous Platform Data System (APDS) designed, using micro services, to process and deliver underwater glider data to the community in near real time. 

Developing a point-of-impact flood-hazard nowcasting system, with the potential to issue flood alerts to the National Flood Forecasting Service, to meet national coastal management needs. 

Enhancing data processing systems for the Argo ocean observing network, including supporting the ASBAN UK project

Building a web based self-service tool to allow marine researchers to upload data (and metadata) to streamline data submission and aid the creation of a Digital Object Identifier for the dataset.

Extending the Coastal Ocean Assessment Toolbox, python framework, for NEMO models. 

Enabling end-to-end data services for NOC operated facilities. Working in collaboration with National Marine Facilities to ensure a ‘deck to desktop' flow of data.

Developing tools and services for the NERC Vocabulary Server (NVS) 

About you 

To be successful in this role you will need to understand the value of sharing quality marine science data. You will have a degree in computer science or at least 3 years relevant experience. You will be comfortable working in a team environment to design, deliver and support solutions and deliver those capabilities within a DevOps mind-set. A good understanding of and experience with databases, via ORDS or ORM, is desired. Honest communication, planning and problem-solving skills are essential. You will be comfortable working within a Unix environment.

You will be a keen developer, comfortable working across languages on a project-by-project basis. You will understand the benefits of designing and coding for a minimum viable product and will have a positive attitude to learning new skills as required.

Why the NOC? 

We offer a generous set of benefits including 28 days annual leave, plus 3.5 local closure days and 8 public bank holidays, and a contributory Group Personal Pension Plan. 

We are committed to flexible working, trusting our staff to get the job done. And we offer an inclusive and supportive environment where our people can meet their full potential.

The centre is part of the University campus and is only a short walk from the city centre and Lime Street station. We support opportunities for further training and development. 

Our commitment as an employer 

The NOC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability and we welcome applications from ethnic minorities currently under-represented. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation, and has signed up to the Athena SWAN charter principles to take action to address gender equality. 

How to apply:

Please click ‘Apply for this job' and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and assessment criteria.  

Closing date: 11 August 2021. Please note this vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.  

Assessing applications 

All applications to the NOC are reviewed by a real-life person, not a computer programme. Attached to our adverts you will find a ‘Candidate Assessment' document which clearly sets out the criteria against which applications are assessed. Once assessed the strongest candidates will be invited to interview.  

If you have been selected for interview we will be in touch to arrange a time and date. If you haven't been selected for interview we will let you know, although we may not be able to give detailed feedback to every applicant.