Full Stack Engineer

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago is looking for a Senior Full Stack Engineer to lead backend services development mainly using Django and .NET. This role requires collaboration with other engineers and teams to architect scalable software systems.

The candidate should have substantial experience in backend development, particularly with Python/Django, and demonstrate strong organizational skills. Benefits include competitive salary and a comprehensive package.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of work experience in software development.
• Proven experience in backend development and team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead backend development in Django and .NET.
• Collaborate on API design with front-end engineers.
• Architect scalable data models and guide best practices.
• Support CI/CD processes and maintain application reliability.

Skills

Backend development

Python/Django

C#/.NET

React.js

API design

PostgreSQL

Cloud environments (AWS, Azure)

Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

PostgreSQL

AWS

Azure

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Job Summary

Senior Full Stack Engineer performs a variety of activities relating to software support and/or development. Provides analysis, design, development, debugging, and modification of computer code for end‑user applications, beta releases, web pages, and production support. Works primarily within a Django system with additional contributions to a .NET platform that shares a React.js front end.

In this role the candidate collaborates closely with other engineers, product and design teams, and the CTO to build, enhance, and maintain scalable software systems. While front‑end engineers handle most UI development, the Senior Full Stack Engineer brings a full‑stack perspective that ensures backend decisions support the user experience and overall system architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and maintenance of backend services and APIs in Django (primary) and .NET (secondary).
• Collaborate with front‑end engineers to design and implement interfaces between the backend and the React.js client.
• Architect scalable data models, services, and integrations with third‑party APIs.
• Contribute to system architecture decisions and guide best practices in backend and full‑stack development.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well‑tested code across multiple systems.
• Participate in code reviews, technical design sessions, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Support CI/CD pipelines and ensure smooth deployments and system reliability.
• Mentor other engineers and contribute to improving development processes.
• Utilize knowledge of AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offerings.
• Investigate, analyze, and resolve day‑to‑day technical problems using standard procedures.
• Gather and analyze stakeholder requirements for developmental programs.
• Perform code testing on components and ensure implementation standards are met.
• Maintain existing applications and respond to user requests.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• College or university degree in a related field.
• 2–5 years of related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in data science, analytics, computer science, software engineering, or related fields.
• 7+ years of experience in backend systems with a strong emphasis on backend development.
• Proven experience building web applications with Python/Django.
• Working knowledge of C#/.NET frameworks and services.
• Comfortable with React.js and modern front‑end tooling.
• Experience designing and consuming RESTful APIs; understanding of web performance and security principles.
• Strong database skills with PostgreSQL and/or SQL Server.
• Familiarity with cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or similar).

Preferred Competencies

• Experience with containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Exposure to TypeScript, GraphQL, or other modern web technologies.
• Familiarity with CI/CD systems (GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, etc.).
• Prior experience in a startup or rapidly scaling environment.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.

Benefits Eligible

Yes – the University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Pay Range

$80,000 – $120,000.

EEO Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.