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1. What is scientific software engineering, and why is it so important?
I work in a team which develops User Administration System (UAS). This system assists internal and external users in various, sometimes quite complex administrative tasks. Often it is the first piece of software encountered by Diamond external users. The very important first impression depends therefore on the UAS team.
2. How did you first become interested in this field?
A recruiter, knowing I had a strong academic background, found this job offer for me. I didn't know much about Diamond at that time but as I started to read about it in preparation for my interview I got very hyped. I went to the interview all excited about the place filled with science, full of interesting people and problems.
3. Can you walk us through a typical day?
I start the day by cycling to work. There are plenty of cycle paths in the area, making a bike a really convenient type of transport. I usually arrive at my office around 9am. As we have flexible working hours in place, team members can arrive any time before our morning meeting at 10 am. Coffee is an indispensable element of my morning. Its smell fills the office and for few minutes turns it into a little café.
Cycling and coffee give me lots of energy to start the day. I am usually done with checking emails just before the morning meeting. The meeting is a staple part of our team process where we discuss current status of our work, any new ideas and problems. The time after the meeting is usually very busy and I am often surprised by the sudden arrival of the lunchtime.
There is a canteen where we usually have lunch together. The lunchtime is about having a nice chat and some good laugh, or sometimes about just sitting quietly and absorbing the noises of the canteen.
We have another team meeting at 2pm to which we often invite internal users and talk about problems on which we currently work.
I usually finish around 5pm and cycle back home. There are times though when I need to leave earlier and it is fine as long as the rest of the team knows in advance. I can always work a bit longer some other day.
4. What do you enjoy about your job?
What makes it unique? My job involves not only programming but also talking to other people. I often meet users to discuss possible solutions of the problems they have and agree on minor details. I like these meetings a lot as they help to clarify the problem and almost always bring good solutions. I also like the feeling of satisfaction when I solve the problem and receive a positive feedback.
Quite a large range of different types of tasks are our responsibility, for example we work on small support issues, release new versions of our product, create reports, work on bug-fixes or a large new feature. I would say each day is different and the work is never boring. There is also a scope for learning new skills and technologies as Diamond evolves.
I like the flexibility of work, friendly atmosphere, my team and the fact that there is someone to ask for help when I am stuck.
5. Any advice for people interested in a future in scientific software engineering?
This is a job for a person who enjoys analysing problems, loves finding and implementing neat solutions, but also likes interacting with people.
There are many bits and bobs to learn not only about the way Diamond is organised, but also about the various systems which are used here. So, be ready to learn!
Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
Copyright © 2018 Diamond Light Source
Diamond Light Source Ltd
Diamond House
Harwell Science & Innovation Campus
Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 0DE
