Scientific Software Developer (REF. 2022-025-P04612)

Temporary call
Deadline January 22, 2023
Description

The CRM (www.crm.cat) is an independent research centre in the CERCA network since 2008, with the purpose of promoting both advanced training and research in all areas of mathematics, in collaboration with universities and other research institutions in Catalonia. CRM’s mission includes transferring knowledge based on the centre's research to society and aiming at having societal impact. 

Research at CRM covers a wide spectrum of fields, from the most fundamental areas (algebra/number theory/geometry/topology, analysis and PDEs, combinatorics and dynamical systems) to applied mathematics (in the fields of biomedicine, climate change mitigation and adaptation and natural hazards).

The center is distinguished as a Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (2020 Call) and holds the HRS4R award (Human Resources Strategy for Research; awarded by the European Commission) since 2016. The Unit hosts approximately 80 senior researchers and affiliated researchers from UPC's, UB's and UAB's Mathematics departments. Five of them are ERC Grantees. 

Regarding training and exchange of knowledge, the CRM organizes 3-4 intensive research programs every year, welcoming 400 visiting researchers per year on average. Its aim is to connect the Catalan mathematics community with world-class practitioners (about 70% of the participants are international).

The CRM in Barcelona is seeking a:

Job Title: Scientific Software Developer. 

Research area or group: Mathematical and Computational Biology.

Description of Group/Project:

The Mathematical and Computational Biology Group at CRM does basic and applied research in different fields of Biology such as cancer, Ecology, and Virology. We use Dynamical Systems Theory and Computational Biology tools to investigate dynamics and transitions for these systems, also using simulation models to investigate ecological and evolutionary processes at different scales. The vacancy is offered within a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) project in Virology, aimed at investigating interfering therapies against RNA viruses such as coronaviruses. Since the project is PoC, a close collaboration with the Knowledge Transfer Unit (KTU) at CRM will be carried out. The project involves advanced programming to simulate viral genomes evolution, together with the analysis of population dynamical models. The project will be developed by interacting with the laboratory of Prof. Santiago F. Elena (Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), CSIC-UV, València, Spain), providing experimental data. The candidate will closely interact with the co-PIs of the project at CRM, with I2SysBio experimentalists, and the KTU in the development of the software and the algorithms by combining in silico simulations with experimental data and data analysis of virus genomes dynamics. Also, artificial intelligence techniques and optimization processes will be developed within the context of the project. We are seeking a software developer with high-level skills in C programming, but the position is not a purely technical one. The candidate will also participate in the scientific part as well and in transfer actions and in all scientific activities and outcomes.

Expected starting date:  February 1st, 2023.

Applications will be accepted until January 22nd, 2023.

TASKS & RESPONSABILITIES:

  • Support in the development and analysis of mathematical models.
  • Design, development, and implementation of software.
  • Programming simulation algorithms and optimization algorithms.
  • In silico data analysis of simulated viral evolution.
  • Offer support in other subtasks of the project (preparation of reports/deliverables)
  • Participate in the writing and preparation of scientific publications.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • A Degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or Computer Science.
  • Demonstrable advanced level in C programming (mandatory)
  • Knowledge of high-level programming languages (e.g., Python) and bash scripting (desirable)
  • Demonstrable experience in numerical methods for ordinary differential equations.
  • Good English level.

WE ALSO EXPECT THE CANDIDATE TO:

  • Have a collaborative attitude and team working skills.
  • Have analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as critical thinking. 
  • Participate in the writing and preparation of projects, software reports, and development of a user-friendly software platform addressed e.g., to scientists no-specialists in Computational Biology.
  • Work in transfer actions in collaboration with all project members.
  • Participation in scientific publications resulting from the project development and execution.
     

CONTRACT DETAILS:

  • Full-time (37,5h/week)
  • Estimated starting date: 01/02/2023.
  • Duration of the contract: temporary – until 01/12/2024.
  • Location: CRM facilities.
  • Flexible working hours and the option to work from home.
  • Opportunities for training and development.
  • Salary, negotiable depending on qualifications and demonstrable experience.
     

EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA: 

The selection process will be conducted by the CRM Director, the Deputy Director, and a member of the Mathematical and Computational Biology Group. Selection criteria will be based on candidate’s skills, with emphasis on programming background and academic records.

This process consists of: 

1. Admission of candidates:

Applicants must submit a:

a. Curriculum vitae.

b. Motivation letter specifying the reasons why the applicant is applying for this position.

c. Copy of the academic diplomas.

The application package should be sent by email at rrhh@crm.cat, before January 22nd, 2023 indicating the reference code of the vacancy. Requests coming from portals other than the CRM job offers section (and the instructions contained therein) will not be accepted. For more information, please contact rrhh@crm.cat.

2. Shortlist: After the fulfilment of the eligibility criteria has been assessed, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. 

3. Selection: evaluation of the shortlisted candidates.

4. Final decision: the final decision will be formally communicated and will be published in the CRM website before January 10th, 2023.