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Research Software Engineer
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Contract-Based Job Postings
The professional world offers a variety of employment models, and contract-based work is one of the most commonly preferred by employers. To the question, "What does it mean to work on a contract basis?" the answer lies in employment that is defined by a specific duration or project. The contract established between the employee and employer specifies the duties and working conditions. In this model, hiring is carried out for projects with defined timeframes. Employees fulfill specific tasks during the contract period and receive payment for their work. Contract-based work provides flexible employment opportunities for professionals while allowing employers to obtain specialized support for the required duration.
Employers hiring for contract-based positions clearly define the required qualifications and expectations in their job postings. Candidates applying for these positions are expected to meet specific criteria. Relevant education and experience in the field are often necessary, especially for roles that require specialized expertise. Communication skills are also critical for many contract-based roles, as they often involve teamwork and continuous interaction. Problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, time management, and multitasking skills are highly valued. By exploring job postings from companies in various industries, you can identify roles that match your qualifications and seize current opportunities to advance your career.
Key Considerations for Candidates Applying to Contract-Based Jobs
Candidates applying for contract-based job postings should pay attention to several important points. First, it is essential to carefully review the duration and terms of the employment contract. Understanding whether the job offers continuity or is strictly project-based is crucial. Inquiring about renewal or extension conditions at the end of the contract is another important detail. Additionally, candidates should evaluate the working hours and requirements of the job. Gaining clarity on schedules and potential shift hours can be beneficial.
Contract workers may have limited social benefits compared to permanent employees. Therefore, it is essential to inquire about health insurance, paid leave, or retirement plans during the application process. Social protections offered by employers significantly impact motivation and job security. As contract-based work is often tied to specific projects, candidates should assess whether the role aligns with their long-term career goals. By considering these details, you can apply to positions that meet your expectations and take a significant step forward in your career.
Career Opportunities in Contract-Based Work
In addition to understanding "What is contract-based work?" many are curious about the career opportunities this model offers. Contract-based work supports individual and professional development by providing diverse opportunities and advantages. Examples of career opportunities in contract-based work include:
- Skill Enhancement: Employees gain valuable knowledge and skills by working on different projects, improving problem-solving abilities, adopting flexible approaches, and boosting confidence.
- Networking: Working in various organizations helps expand professional networks, which can lead to new job opportunities and valuable connections at different career stages.
- Permanent Job Offers: Exceptional performance in contract roles can lead to long-term job offers. Employers often prefer to retain high-performing contract workers in permanent positions.
- Diverse Experiences: Gaining experience across different sectors helps employees better understand their interests and strengths, enabling informed career decisions.
If you want to shape your career through flexible working conditions and gain experience in short-term projects, contract-based roles can provide an excellent starting point.
Industries Offering Contract-Based Work
In addition to understanding what contract-based work entails, candidates are often curious about the sectors that offer such opportunities. Contract-based work is prevalent across a wide range of industries. Software development, engineering, and technology are among the most common fields employing this model. Technical professionals such as IT staff, software engineers, software developers, and backend developers frequently find opportunities in contract roles. Business analysts and IT specialists also take on contract positions in similar capacities.
These professionals handle tasks such as analyzing business processes, developing software solutions, and optimizing technology infrastructures. Software specialists often focus on project-specific tasks like software design and coding. Contract-based work in these sectors offers advantages such as flexibility, rapid workforce deployment, and high specialization in specific areas. While contract roles are more common in technology and software development, many other industries adopt this model based on workforce demands. Exploring contract-based job opportunities across various sectors can help expand your expertise and career options.
Conditions for Contract-Based Work
The conditions for contract-based work are defined through agreements between employers and employees. Key aspects of these conditions include:
- Salary: The payment terms are explicitly stated in the contract, often determined by the scope of the job and the company’s size. Payments may be made monthly, weekly, or upon project completion, depending on mutual agreement.
- Leave Rights: Annual and other leave entitlements are outlined in the contract and may be more limited compared to full-time roles. Additional leave requests are subject to employer approval.
- Social Benefits: These vary by contract and may include health insurance and retirement plans, though the extent of such benefits can be limited.
- Job Security: Contract workers benefit from legally mandated workplace safety provisions, but long-term job security is tied to the contract duration.
- Duties and Responsibilities: The employee's tasks are clearly defined in the contract, preventing additional assignments outside the agreed scope.
By reviewing job postings, you can identify roles with conditions that meet your expectations. Contract-based opportunities can help you gain diverse experiences and shape your career under clear terms.
How long do contract workers typically work?
The duration of contract work varies depending on the agreement and project requirements. Common contract periods are 3, 12 months, or other specific durations. Contracts may be extended or renewed based on employer needs.
How many days of annual leave do contract workers receive?
Contract workers typically receive 14 to 26 days of annual leave, similar to permanent employees. Leave duration may vary based on tenure and contract terms.
What is the difference between contract and permanent employment?
The primary difference lies in job security. Contract workers are hired for a specific period, while permanent employees enjoy continuous employment. Permanent roles typically offer broader social benefits, such as retirement plans and severance pay, while contract roles often provide more flexible working conditions.
Are contract workers considered civil servants?
No, contract workers are not classified as civil servants. Civil servants are appointed to permanent roles with broader social benefits and long-term job security, while contract workers are employed under different terms and conditions.
Research Software Engineer
14.11.2025
Ankara / Türkiye
Deneyim: 2-4 Yıl
Type of Work: Dönemsel (Sözleşmeli)
Work Location: İş Yerinde
Job Description
The Bilkent Quantum Computing and Topology (BilQCT) group, led by Assistant Professor Cihan Okay in the Department of Mathematics at Bilkent University, is seeking a Research Software Engineer to contribute to the development of next-generation simulation and modeling tools at the intersection of mathematics, quantum information, and computer science. As part of the project “Homotopical Quantum Computation: Theory and Applications of Simplicial Distributions,” funded by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), BilQCT develops software frameworks that translate cutting-edge theoretical research—such as simplicial and polyhedral models of quantum computation—into accessible, reproducible, and scalable computational tools.
We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.
Qualifications include:
- A PhD in a relevant area (such as mathematics, physics, or computer science) is preferred, though not required. Applicants with equivalent experience in research software development are also encouraged to apply.
- Proficiency in programming—for example, in Python or Julia with scientific libraries—is required; experience with other scientific languages, frameworks, or high-performance computing environments is also valued.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to write clear, maintainable code and work effectively with others using version control systems (e.g., Git/GitHub) within a multidisciplinary research team.
- Experience developing research software in an academic or open-source setting. Familiarity with topics relevant to the group—such as quantum foundations, classical simulation, polyhedral methods, or category theory—is advantageous.
- Familiarity with modular API design and deployment tools (e.g., Flask/FastAPI, Docker, or cloud environments), or interest in prototype SaaS development, is a plus.
Responsibilities include:
- Design, develop, and optimize research software supporting BilQCT’s projects, ensuring code quality, documentation, and reproducibility.
- Collaborate with researchers to integrate software into project outcomes and adapt mathematical tools to evolving research directions.
- Contribute to group training and mentorship, helping students and junior researchers develop sound software practices.
- Explore pathways to transform research codebases into reusable libraries, web APIs, or prototype services (e.g., SaaS-style demos).
- To be considered in the initial review, with a flexible intended start date of January 1, 2026, please submit your application by November 21, 2025. The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance, conduct, and funding availability. The selected candidate will receive a competitive salary and private health insurance. A travel allowance and furnished housing on campus may also be offered to highly qualified candidates.
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Cover letter describing your motivation for applying and how your background and experience align with this position. You may also highlight relevant research experience, future goals, your approach to collaborative or open-source development, and, if possible, the alignment of your software portfolio with the goals of the position.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Portfolio of software work, such as links to GitHub repositories or other examples that demonstrate your coding experience or open-source contributions.
- You may include the names and contact details of two to three referees in your cover letter at this stage; these will otherwise be requested later in the process.
- Transcripts (optional)
- Reference letter (optional) (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site help popup)
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About Company
About İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent Üniversitesi
Bilkent Üniversitesi; İhsan Doğramacı Eğitim Vakfı, İhsan Doğramacı Sağlık Vakfı ve İhsan Doğramacı Bilim ve Araştırma Vakfı kararıyla 20 Ekim 1984’te kurulmuştur. 1986’da 386 öğrenciyle eğitime başlayan Bilkent, bugün 9 fakültesi ve 2 yüksekokulu bünyesindeki 29 lisans ve 51 lisansüstü programıyla, 13.000 öğrencisi ve 40 farklı ülkeden öğretim üyeleriyle dünyaca tanınan bir eğitim ve araştırma merkezidir.
Bilkent Üniversitesi’nin eğitim yaklaşımı, öğrencilerin özgün düşünme ve akılcı karar verme becerilerini geliştirmeye yöneliktir. Bu özellikler, güçlü bir alan bilgisi ve olgun bir dünya görüşüyle birleşerek onları yaşam boyu başarıya taşır. Bilkent, dört kıtadan 250’yi aşkın üniversiteyle yaptığı değişim anlaşmaları sayesinde öğrencilerinin uluslararası vizyonunu daha da genişletmektedir.
Öğrencilere diploma sonrası planlarında yol göstermek için 1988’de Kariyer Merkezi’ni kuran Bilkent, öğrenci ve mezunları ile iş dünyası arasında kuvvetli bir bağlantı oluşturmuştur. Türkiye’de bir üniversite bünyesinde bu amaçla açılmış ilk birim olan Kariyer Merkezi, öğrenci ve mezun özgeçmişlerini içeren bir veri tabanını internet üzerinden işverenlerle paylaşmaktadır. Bilkentliler, özgeçmişlerini bu veri tabanına kendileri yükleyebilmekte, sisteme üye şirketlerin iş ve staj ilanlarına başvurabilmektedir.
Türkiye’nin ilk vakıf üniversitesi olan Bilkent’in kuruluş hazırlıkları 1967’ye dayanır. Ankara’nın batısında geniş bir arazinin alınmasıyla başlayan bu hazırlıklar, bugün 37.000’in üzerinde mezun vermiş bir araştırma üniversitesinin temellerini atmıştır. Bilkentliler, Türkiye’nin ve dünyanın köklü şirketleri ve yükseköğretim kurumlarında üniversitemizi başarıyla temsil etmektedir.
Kurulduğundan beri öğretim üyesi başına düşen uluslararası bilimsel yayın sayısı bakımından Türkiye ve dünyada üst sıralarda yer alan Bilkent Üniversitesi, yükseköğretimdeki öncü rolünü sürdürmektedir.
