Infrastructure Software Engineer, Pestilli Lab

University of Texas; Utah; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Pestilli Lab in the Department of Psychology seeks an Infrastructure Software Engineer for a one-year fixed-term position. You will design scalable database solutions, build cloud infrastructure, and containerize apps with Docker and orchestrate with Kubernetes.

Collaborate with researchers, ensure data security, and optimize performance. Required: CS/SE degree and 1+ year backend experience, with PostgreSQL/NoSQL, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP), and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• At least 1 year of backend software development focusing on database infra and cloud computing.
• Experience with PostgreSQL/NoSQL and cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/Google Cloud).
• Hands-on with Docker and Kubernetes; understanding of networking and security best practices.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement scalable database solutions with data integrity and security.
• Build and manage cloud infrastructure for storage, processing, and analysis.
• Containerize apps with Docker and orchestrate with Kubernetes.
• Maintain documentation and promote best practices in software and data management.
• Collaborate with research teams to translate data needs into technical solutions.
• Monitor and optimize database performance and data retrieval latency.

Skills

Backend development

Cloud computing

Data security

Python

JavaScript

Networking

Security best practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/SE

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL

NoSQL

AWS

Azure

Google Cloud

Job description

Infrastructure Software Engineer, Pestilli Lab.

The Pestilli Lab in the Department of Psychology collaborates with scientists and developers across the globe. We develop standards and technology for the management and processing of brain and health data. Simplifying the way data is stored, processed, analyzed, and shared can improve scientific understanding and education. The Pestilli Lab promotes progress in psychological and brain science via the democratization of scientific research, methods, data, and infrastructure. We strive to advance societal good by accelerating neuroscientific discovery and education via data‑science applications and innovative technology. This is a one-year fixed‑term position.

Purpose: Dr. Franco Pestilli in the Department of Psychology is hiring an Infrastructure Software Engineer for the Pestilli Lab.

Responsibilities

• Database Design & Development: Architect and implement scalable and efficient database solutions to handle large volumes of neuroscience data. Ensure data integrity, security, and accessibility.
• Cloud Infrastructure: Build and manage cloud-based infrastructure to support the storage, processing, and analysis of neuroscience data. Leverage cloud services to enhance data availability and performance.
• Containerization & Orchestration: Utilize Docker for containerizing applications and Kubernetes for orchestrating and managing containerised applications in a cloud environment.
• Documentation & Best Practices: Maintain comprehensive documentation for database systems, code, and processes. Implement and promote best practices for software development and data management.
• Collaboration: Work closely with research teams to understand their data requirements and provide technical solutions that meet their needs. Communicate effectively with cross‑functional teams to integrate data systems seamlessly.
• Performance Optimization: Monitor and optimize database performance, addressing any issues related to scalability, latency, and data retrieval.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or equivalent experience in relevant areas is a plus.
• Experience: At least one year of experience in back‑end software development with a strong focus on database infrastructure and cloud computing.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in database management systems (e.g., PostgreSQL, NoSQL). Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). Hands‑on experience with Docker for containerisation. Understanding of Kubernetes for container orchestration. Understanding of networking, TCP/IP, HTTP, firewall. Knowledge of programming languages such as Python and JavaScript. Familiarity with data security and best practices for privacy.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: At least three years of experience in back‑end software development with a strong focus on database infrastructure and cloud computing.
• Soft Skills: Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities. Detail‑oriented with a commitment to delivering high‑quality work.

Salary Range

$70,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity Required

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University‑Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I‑9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and other. If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP‑3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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