Digital Pathology & AI Software Developer

University of Wisconsin Madison; Brantford; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate software developer to join a collaborative lab focused on computational neuropathology. This role offers the chance to work on innovative projects utilizing AI and machine learning to enhance our understanding of Alzheimer's disease. You'll be responsible for developing scalable tools and data platforms while contributing to impactful research. If you're eager to make a difference in the field of biomedical informatics and thrive in a dynamic academic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Generous vacation

Competitive insurance

Retirement benefits

Sick leave

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python and Linux environments.
• Experience with version control and collaborative workflows.
• Familiarity with data structures and machine learning principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy scalable digital pathology tools.
• Build AI-driven software for whole-slide image analysis.
• Design biomedical data pipelines and documentation.

Skills

Python

Linux

Problem-solving

Communication

Machine Learning

Image Processing

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Informatics

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Git

PyTorch

OpenCV

scikit-image

SQL

HDF5

Job description

Job Summary:

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Wisconsin Madison has a strong record of fostering excellence in research through interdisciplinary collaborations. Our investigators study the pathogenesis of diseases and develop innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches, with current research spanning immunology, neuroimmunology, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and stem cell biology. Faculty members are actively engaged in mechanistic, translational, and clinical research projects.

The Nirschl Lab specializes in computational neuropathology, applying artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to advance the understanding of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Our interdisciplinary work bridges digital histopathology, clinical data integration, and biomarker discovery, with a strong commitment to research transparency and reproducibility. The lab is located within the Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research (WIMR), an environment that fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration.

We are seeking a highly motivated software developer to support the lab's mission through the development and deployment of scalable digital pathology tools, machine learning workflows, and cloud-based data platforms. This is a renewable academic staff position.

The successful candidate will:
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and technical rigor
- Thrive in a collaborative academic environment
- Build and maintain AI-driven software for whole-slide image analysis
- Develop image analysis tools using computer vision libraries (e.g., PyTorch, OpenCV, scikit-image)
- Design structured and semi-structured biomedical data pipelines (e.g., SQL, JSON, HDF5)
- Develop robust, reproducible software with CI/CD pipelines, versioned computational scripts, and structured documentation supporting software releases, research publications, and conference presentations

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful computational neuropathology research in a collaborative academic environment. Join the Nirschl Lab and help drive discoveries that improve our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.

Responsibilities:
Software Engineer/Developer I (IT002)
Software Engineer/Developer II (IT003)
Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Required
Bachelor's Degree
In Computer Science, Biomedical Informatics, Engineering, or related field

Qualifications:

Required:
- Demonstrated proficiency in Python and experience with Linux-based environments.
- Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git), software testing, and collaborative development workflows.
- Familiarity with data structures, algorithms, and basic principles of machine learning or image processing.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team-based research environment.

Preferred:
- Experience with computer vision or image analysis libraries (e.g., PyTorch, OpenCV).
- Experience with biomedical research or biomedical informatics.

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $65,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).

Additional Information:

The department will not be able to support a request for a J-1 waiver. If you choose to pursue a waiver and apply for our position, neither the UW nor UWMF will reimburse you for your legal or waiver fees.

Applicants for this position will be considered for the titles listed in this posting. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist.

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and experience, and a document listing contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Contact:

Tia Seguin
[e-mail]
608-263-3731
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Software Engineer/Developer I(IT002) or Software Engineer/Developer II(IT003)

Department(s):

A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/PATHOL-LAB MED/ANAT PATH

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

314388-AS

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Division Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.