Post Details
Full time
Fixed term until 31 April 2026
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 14 April 2024.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
The Post
Scotland’s International Environment Centre is looking to appoint a highly motivated, forward-looking Frontend Developer to join a multidisciplinary team working on the Forth Environmental Resilience Array (Forth-ERA (https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/forth-environmental-resilience-array/)) which is a programme pioneering the development of a world-leading digital environmental observatory for the Forth Valley Region in Scotland in collaboration with a range of regional and national stakeholders. You will join a dynamic, innovative team of scientists and technical specialists focussed on delivering a programme that will help deliver on Scotland’s net zero and broader environment targets. We are seeking a skilled and experienced Frontend Developer with expertise in web-enabled data visualisation to join our team. As Frontend Developer, you will be responsible for designing and implementing web interfaces to provide users with access to environmental datasets from Forth-ERA and other related projects including the redesign of Scotland’s Environment Web (SEWeb) in collaboration with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). We are particularly interested in applicants with experience in creating innovative, visually appealing, and user-friendly interfaces that enable complex data to be presented to users in an effective and meaningful manner.
The postholder will be responsible for frontend web application development but will also work closely with colleagues on the backend environment to create seamless pipelines for data ingest, analysis and visualisation of data from sensors, satellites, and models. The successful applicant will have access to high-performance compute and storage provided by a multi-million pound investment in public-cloud data centre being built to support Scotland’s International Environment Centre.
Description of Duties
Provide advice and technical support as a domain expert to facilitate the design, implementation, and future strategy of Forth-ERA and SIEC Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and a range of end users to understand project requirements and translate these into functional frontend solutions Assume leadership for the design, build and management of frontend applications Design applications to meet user specifications applying industry standards and principles consistent with solution architecture Integrate geospatial data and functionality into frontend interfaces, leveraging appropriate web mapping libraries and GIS technologies Optimise application performance by implementing efficient code and conduct thorough testing and debugging of frontend applications to identify and resolve any issues or errors Create and maintain technical documentation related to frontend development processes, including code documentation and UI/UX guidelines Provide advice and, where appropriate, assist colleagues in the design and implementation of backend infrastructure to support web application development Write or contribute to publications, reports, presentations and disseminate results and outcomes using other appropriate media as appropriate
Essential Criteria
Master’s degree (or equivalent work-related experience) in computing science, software engineering, web design, or a related subject and proven experience in frontend development The enthusiasm and ability to design and develop innovative and efficient web applications for the visualisation of geospatial and other environmental datasets High proficiency in web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and knowledge of frontend frameworks like React, Angular, and Django Advanced working knowledge of web mapping libraries such as Mapbox, Leaflet, OpenLayers, or ArcGIS API for JavaScript. Experience with Mapbox would be particularly advantageous Experience developing in Microsoft Visual Studio or other IDEs and the use of version control software (e.g., Git) Excellent interpersonal and time management skills including evidence of being responsible for small projects or identified parts of a larger projects Self-motivation, initiative, and independence in thought and working
Desirable Criteria
Background in the environmental sector in either industry or academia Understanding of full-stack software development, including requirements capture, system analysis, user interface design and testing Experience in data visualisation for scientific and/or non-scientific audiences in languages such as Python or R Knowledge and experience developing and deploying applications in public cloud environments such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services Familiarity with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and spatial databases such as QGIS and PostGIS Confidence and ability to communicate effectively with external clients and partners from different organisations and disciplines
Behaviours and Competencies
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
