Business and Local Government Data Research Centre (BLG DRC)
The Business and Local Government Data Research Centre (BLG DRC) is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to undertake fundamental and applied research in Social Sciences and advanced Data Science and Artificial Intelligence techniques with applications in Social Sciences research. The Centre (http://www.blgdataresearch.org) works together with businesses, public sector organisations and other stakeholders to enable them to use data more effectively and support better decision-making and data-driven policy.
BLG DRC was founded in January 2014 and it has been awarded subsequent funding for 3 years from the 1st of June 2019. The Centre is based at the University of Essex involving academics and researchers from a range of academic departments and schools: Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, Government, Health and Social Care, Mathematical Sciences, Economics and the Essex Business School. The Centre is led by the PI and Director, Prof Maria Fasli.
Duties of the Role
BLG DRC seeks to appoint a Senior Applications Developer who will be responsible for developing the components, data pipelines and APIs to Centre researchers to undertake fundamental research and experiment with advanced analytics including artificial intelligence techniques utilizing data. The post holder will play a key role in liaising between Centre researchers and external partners to understand user requirements and needs in order to develop the required pipelines and interfaces to. They are therefore at the interface between researchers and external partners with regards to putting in place systems and interfaces to enable collaboration and the production of high quality research based on datasets and they have a key role in supporting researchers and enhancing the usability of the data.
The duties also include: Planning, setting up and developing the components, data pipelines and interfaces; driving the analysis, identification, prioritisation and implementation of user requirements; leading the design and implementation of components and tools; integrating and testing components, systems and their interfaces; maintaining and supporting the BLG DRC systems services; working with BLG DRC and partners and stakeholders to translate service problems into technical implementation; and building relationships with and collaborating with BLG DRC researchers and partners.
Skills and qualifications required
Candidates are required to have strong technical skills including computer programming skills and excellent knowledge or experience of databases and querying. They must have a good understanding and experience of implementing components of data pipelines and interfaces. Whilst working knowledge of machine learning and other artificial intelligence techniques and data modelling principles isn't essential, it would be advantageous.
At the grade 9 level, candidates should have extensive commercial or other experience and be able to work independently in setting up and developing secure data platforms that comply to the highest standards working with closely with a range of internal and external stakeholders who will determine requirements.
The Senior Applications Developer will be working closely with the Senior Data Infrastructure Developer to develop the pipeline of APIs to enable secure data access to the platform and datasets.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives. For more information see: https://www.essex.ac.uk/life/student-facilities/religion-and-faith
Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please telephone the Resourcing Team (01206 876559).
*More information: Working at the University