Senior Developer

The Senior Developer plays a pivotal role in the design, development, delivery and ongoing maintenance of software systems that support the university's strategic and operational needs. The postholder will lead development lifecycles, ensuring that software solutions are robust, secure, scalable and aligned with best practice., Working in a rapidly evolving technological environment, the Senior Developer will take responsibility for creating, maintaining and improving systems, as well as diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues. The role requires close collaboration with stakeholders across the university, translating business requirements into effective technical solutions. As a subject matter expert, the post-holder will also contribute to future planning, recommending improvements and innovations across the university's digital ecosystem. Description of Duties

• Lead the design, development, coding, security and installation of software solutions across a wide range of information systems

• Manage and oversee the full software development lifecycle of solutions

• Work with business customers to assess operational feasibility by analysing requirements, defining problems, evaluating options and proposing solutions

• Develop software solutions by engaging with stakeholders at all levels, understanding information needs, system flows, data usage and business processes

• Investigate and resolve complex problem areas across systems and integrations

• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the software development lifecycle

• Produce high-quality documentation including flowcharts, diagrams, layouts, code comments and clear coding patterns to support maintainability

• Supervise external developers and contractors, ensuring adherence to university coding standards and lifecycle processes

• Support technical engagement with third-party suppliers and contract managers for cloud and on-premise systems

• Define and implement system specifications, standards and programming approaches

• Provide supervision, guidance and technical leadership to developers and other colleagues

• Conduct systems analysis and recommend improvements to processes, policies and procedures

• Use security-by-design to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and security of information and systems

• Ensure systems meet required accessibility standards and support inclusive digital experiences, 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.

Do you have experience in Web services?, Do you have a Master's degree?, * Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Computer Science or related technical discipline

• Substantial professional software development experience

Knowledge & Experience

• Strong proficiency in Java development and use of APIs
• Experience of modern CI/CD including version control
• Experience across the full software development lifecycle, from conception and architecture through to delivery and maintenance
• Strong understanding of professional software engineering practices, including coding standards, code reviews, source control, build processes, testing and operational support
• Ability to ensure products and web services meet standards of security, reliability, cost-effectiveness and scalability
• Experience developing and supporting large-scale enterprise applications
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and contributing to product and engineering decisions

Skills & Attributes

• A customer-focused approach to service design, delivery and evaluation
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and advocacy skills
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise documentation
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work systematically in a busy environment
• Ability to gather, analyse and interpret information effectively
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Strong user-centred approach to development
• Logical thinking and strong analytical skills
• Ability to work under pressure, independently and as part of a team
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Commitment to continuous professional development

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience working with student records systems such as Banner or SITS
• Experience of Git, Jenkins or other relevant devops tools
• Full-stack development experience (frontend and backend)
• Knowledge of ITIL, Prince2 or Agile
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS) and containerisation/orchestration tools such as Kubernetes and Docker

Information Services delivers the library, IT, digital learning technology and other information needs and services to enable all students and staff of the University of Stirling to learn, research and work here. Our mission is to equip and empower our users and ourselves to function and achieve successful outcomes in the digital age. We strive to achieving excellent customer service and always aim to exceed our users' expectations. The University The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International. Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019). Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.