C++ developer for world-leading science

The Data Reduction, Analysis & Modelling Group at the European Spallation Source ERIC invites applications for Scientific Software Developer in the Scientific Directorate at the Data Management and Software Centre in Copenhagen.

Description of directorate/division
The European Spallation Source ERIC (ESS) is currently under construction in Lund, Sweden, and will become the most powerful neutron source in the world once in full operation. ESS will run a user program that will serve thousands of scientists per year, who will make use of the unique properties of neutrons to investigate structural and dynamic properties of materials ranging from atomic to macroscopic scale. Once ESS is in steady-state operation, these experiments are estimated to generate peta-bytes of data per year that need to be processed in order to generate scientific value.

The Data Reduction, Analysis and Modelling (DRAM) group of ESS is located in Copenhagen, Denmark at the ESS Data Management and Software Centre in the Science Directorate. The DRAM group is in charge of providing support and software for data processing for all the beamlines at ESS. This software is critical for making experiments at ESS successful. The group currently has ten members with a mixed background in areas such as scientific computing and software development, (computational) chemistry and physics, molecular biology and hard condensed matter at the PhD level. The group engages in international open source software and research projects, particularly with other European neutron sources, but also with photon sources and universities, all with the aim of increasing the scientific impact of the ESS user program. The group is planned to grow over the coming years and in the future will support users of ESS with analysis and modelling associated with their experiments, as well as developing software and further developing the field. 

The group’s preferred programming languages (and that of the domain) are Python and C++ with graphical user interfaces developed in the Qt framework. [MOU1] The group has over the last few years successfully adapted a collaborative agile development methodology with some freedom for the individual to specialize in specific domains and perform research on their own in areas of interest for ESS. In this context, all group members are expected to contribute to the further development of the group and its capacities along with development of their own individual skills.

Job description and qualifications
We are currently looking into expanding our group with a skilled C++ developer who who will help us develop high data rate processing software, specifically for the critical step between data acquisition and data analysis of instrument data. That is the so-called data reduction step that makes acquired detector counts and associated metadata scientifically useable. Initially, you are expected to take a leading role for the development of the scipp C++ library (https://scipp.gihhub.io) and associated software (e.g. Mantid, https://mantidproject.org) in collaboration with other team members.

The objective is to make it suitable for handling the high data rates at ESS and an efficient tool for rapid development of workflows tailored to specific scientific instruments. It is therefore important that you are able to work with scientists to gather and distill requirements and understand the basics of the underlying physics.

Ideally, the person has experience with larger distributed software projects using C++ or Python and best practice software development. A background (e.g. MSc or PhD) in data science, computer science, or the natural sciences or experience with instrumentation and experimental work performed at photon or neutron sources or similar research environments are additional assets. However, many different backgrounds can be envisioned for this position.

ESS and DMSC are international work places. You should therefore be able to work in diverse international teams across multiple sites and contribute to a good collaborative environment. Some international travelling is expected and the working language is English.

What ESS can offer
ESS can offer you a variety of things, such as passionate colleagues, a vibrant melting pot of diversity, and a challenging and high paced work environment where our employees take great pride in designing and building a world leading facility for materials research.

If you were to join ESS, you would become an important piece of the puzzle, since all our skilled staff are needed in order to fulfill the overall mission. We value and need expertise, innovative minds, great ways of leading and interacting with others, and the ability to work with people regardless of culture and background.

Duration & location
The position is permanent with three months initial probationary period.

Your work place will be situated in Copenhagen, Denmark. The position is to be filled as soon as possible.

Application & Contact
Please provide your curriculum vitae and cover letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please note we only accept applications via the ESS website or ESS intranet. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply through the intranet. In your application (e.g. in your curriculum vitae), please provide a brief description of, or links to, previous software development projects that you have been involved in.

The deadline for applications is 2020-04-09.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process in general, please follow this link

https://europeanspallationsource.se/ess-recruitment-process

For further information regarding the position, please contact the recruiting manager, Thomas Holm Rod, Group Leader Data Analysis, Thomas.Rod@ess.eu.

For further information regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR Officer, Karin.Vandenborre@ess.eu.

We look forward to receiving your application!