RSE Competencies
The paper Foundational Competencies and Responsibilities of a Research Software Engineer (a de-RSE position paper) defines a set of competencies (skills) that research software engineers typically have. These competencies are summarized here, together with resources related to each competence.
The resources displayed here are collected by the community. Initial content was collected in the deRSE23 and un-deRSE23 conferences, as well as follow-up discussions: see the notes of deRSE23 and this issue.
Software/Technical skills
RSEs are Research Software Engineers and, as such, possess software engineering skills that allow them to create and maintain complex and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) research software.
Adapting to the software life-cycle (SWLC)
Creating documented code building blocks (DOCBB)
Building distributable software (DIST)
Use repositories (SWREPOS)
Software behaviour awareness and analysis (MOD)
Research skills
RSEs are working with Research Software and are capable of conducting research themselves. They are curious and have deep understanding of the research cycle and publication practices for ideas, software, and data.
Curiosity (NEW)
Understanding the research cycle (RC)
Software re-use (SRU)
Software publication (SP)
Using domain repositories/directories (DOMREP)
Communication skills
RSEs are interacting extensively with others and, as such, they posess strong communication skills. They are typically embedded in a research group or work within a team of RSEs supporting particular research projects.