Systems Developer (Submission Systems and CIF Validation)
Website International Union of Crystallography
Systems Developer (Submission Systems and CIF Validation)
Location: Chester, UK
Salary: £42,000–£50,000 depending on experience, plus an excellent benefits package.
The International Union of Crystallography (IUCr) is looking for a Systems Developer to
support and enhance the platforms that underpin its journals and data validation services.
This role sits at the intersection of scientific data, publishing workflows, and software
systems. You will contribute to the development and operation of key services including
checkCIF, as well as the submission and peer-review infrastructure used by a global
research community.
You will work closely with colleagues across editorial, technical, and operational teams to
troubleshoot issues, improve workflows, and ensure the reliable handling of structured
scientific data such as CIF and LaTeX. The role also involves coordinating with external tools
and services that form part of the wider validation and publishing ecosystem.
This is a practical, hands-on position suited to someone who enjoys solving real-world
problems, improving systems incrementally, and working with a mix of code, data, and users.
What you’ll be doing
1. Maintaining and developing the checkCIF validation service
2. Supporting and improving submission and peer-review systems
3. Troubleshooting workflow and file-handling issues
4. Working with structured scientific data (CIF, LaTeX, etc.)
5. Collaborating with internal teams and external partners
6. Contributing to system improvements, automation, and reliability
What we’re looking for
1. Experience with web-based systems or workflow platforms
2. Familiarity with structured data and validation processes
3. Ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues across systems
4. Programming or scripting experience (e.g. Python, Perl, shell)
5. Clear communication skills and a collaborative approach
This role offers the opportunity to work on systems that directly support the integrity and
quality of scientific publishing, within a small, experienced, and supportive team.
The position is based in central Chester, with an expectation of regular presence in the
office.
