Roles intro

This section lists various roles and the training for them. The roles are not very formal and in practice everything gets blended together However, for the purposes of new people getting started and not having to learn everything all at once, it makes sense to try to classify them somehow.

Everyone will take their own path to get started. Teaching these roles is mainly (in 2026) via mentoring. Everyone make take their own path. Also note this material is a work in progress and will be developed along with the mentoring.

Role list

	Responsibilities
Project work	The default RSE job: for a project, learn and/or apply the necessary scientific and technical background and work on it over time in close collaboration with the customers. This includes project planning when projects are straightforward. Primary challenges include ongoing communication with the customers.
Garage support	Help users with drop-in questions in garage and other short-term support. Questions may be anything, and customers may be helped directly, you may call someone who can help, or they can be directed to other help (with advice). Primary challenges include the huge variety of questions which may come, and the need to think on your feet.
Teaching	Teaches (+other support) in courses, mainly using the CodeRefinery teaching strategies of co-teaching, collaborative notes, and livestreaming. Teaches with compassion and always reminds learners that stuff is actually difficult and people are not alone. Always maintains a critical mind about what should be taught (as opposed to blindly recommending best practices that aren’t practical for the audienc).
Project planner (architect?)	This person has enough broad experience to to untangle what the customer actually needs even when they may not know (or it may not be possible). Meet with customers to create the initial project plan, critically ask questions, and guide the work. Mentors junior RSEs in the project process. Primary challenges include understanding the optimal solution when even the customer may not know what they need and conveying risks and limitations.
Technical mentor	Work with junior RSEs (or researchers) in the execution of projects, giving pointers and co-working to teach them new skills. Mentors junior RSEs in our project process. Primary challenges include the hands-on teaching and knowing the tech.
Unit liaison	Keep active communication with the unit, including telling them about general RSE activities, attending unit meetings, and keeping an active search for projects. Primary challenges include networking with diverse busy people.
Team Supervisor	Manage HR and financial practicalities, especially including ultimate responsibility for mentoring and productivity of all team members and the team itself.

Someone somewhat humorously described these roles by what tools peolpe use:

• Project work: code editor

• Garage: zoom

• Teaching: OBS and Twitch

• Project planner: email & docs

• Technical mentor: zoom or air (in-person sound transmission medium)

• Unit liaison: coffee room

• Team supervisor: spreadsheet