Software Engineer

Research Software Developer (Python / FastAPI / Relational Databases) OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) Data BankParis, France (hybrid working possible)2-year fixed-term contract (possibility of renewal to 3 years)

The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is seeking a talented software developer to help modernise and extend the software systems underpinning the NEA Data Bank, one of the world’s leading repositories of scientific data and software for nuclear science and engineering.

This role would suit someone with strong Python skills who enjoys working at the intersection of scientific computing, data management, digital infrastructure and modern software engineering.

About the work

The NEA Data Bank distributes scientific software, evaluated nuclear data, benchmark datasets, and technical resources to researchers and institutions throughout the world. We are modernising our systems and looking for a developer who can help design and build the next generation of services supporting this mission.

The work combines elements of:

• Backend application development
• API design and implementation
• Relational database design and optimisation
• Scientific and technical data management
• Software architecture and integration

You will work with a small team and have substantial responsibility and influence over technical decisions.

Essential skills

We are particularly interested in candidates with strong modern Python development experience.

• Excellent Python programming skills
• Experience developing web services using FastAPI (or a similar modern Python framework)
• Strong SQL skills and experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL preferred)
• Experience designing and consuming REST APIs
• Familiarity with version control and collaborative development workflows (Git)
• Ability to write maintainable, well-tested code
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Desirable skills

• Scientific computing or research software experience
• Data engineering or data management experience
• Docker and containerised deployments
• Linux system administration
• CI/CD pipelines and automated testing
• Search technologies and metadata systems
• Experience working with large or complex technical datasets
• Cloud platforms and infrastructure automation

Who we are looking for

We are less concerned with prior domain knowledge in nuclear science than with technical ability, curiosity, and the willingness to learn.

We would welcome applications from:

• Research Software Engineers
• Scientific programmers
• Developers working in academia or research institutes
• Early-career developers with strong Python expertise
• Individuals looking to move from research into software engineering, or vice versa

Successful candidates are likely to be people who enjoy understanding complex technical problems, working directly with users, and improving systems that support international scientific collaboration.

Why this role is interesting

This is not a typical commercial software role.

You will work on systems that support a global scientific community, collaborating with experts from universities, research laboratories, industry, and governments across NEA member countries.

The role offers

• Significant technical ownership
• Exposure to unique scientific and engineering datasets
• Opportunities to shape the future architecture of key NEA Data Bank services
• An international and multidisciplinary working environment
• A mission-driven organisation with global impact

Location

The position is based at OECD-NEA headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt (Paris), France.

Salary and Eligibility

€5279 per month plus benefits/allowances, exempt from French income tax. Eligible candidates must be nationals of an OECD / NEA country.