Research Software Engineer

uchicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago Research Computing Center (RCC) invites applications for a Research Software Engineer to develop, maintain, and optimize software for scientific projects. You will work with researchers to translate goals into scalable software on HPC and cloud platforms, applying best practices in testing and deployment.

The role emphasizes strong collaboration, documentation, and reproducibility, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring at least three days on site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a related field.
• 2–5 years of relevant work experience in software development for research or scientific computing.
• Experience with Python and Docker preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop research software and prototypes to support research goals.
• Build and maintain Python-based applications and backend services.
• Collaborate with researchers to translate scientific requirements into software solutions.
• Apply software engineering best practices including testing, version control, and reproducibility.
• Deploy and support software on HPC systems and cloud platforms.
• Produce documentation such as user guides and implementation notes.

Skills

Linux/UNIX

Python

Docker

NoSQL databases

Git/version control

Scientific computing

Code optimization

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Git

Docker

Job description

Department

Research Computing Center

About the Department

The University of Chicago Research Computing Center (RCC), a unit within the Office of Research, provides advanced research computing resources and expertise to support computational and data-intensive research across the University. RCC enables research through centrally managed high-performance computing (HPC), storage, visualization, and AI infrastructure, along with scientific consulting, user support, education, and training. RCC also helps researchers leverage local, national, and cloud-based computational resources.The Office of Research oversees sponsored research administration, research development, and contract management across the University.

Job Summary

The job 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 general releases, web pages, and production support. Troubleshoots problems using existing procedures to find a possible solution.The Research Computing Center (RCC) is seeking a highly motivated Research Software Engineer for developing, maintaining, and optimizing software for research projects by understanding the needs and requirements, and applying software engineering best practices to scientific challenges. Key responsibilities involve coding, algorithm development, performance optimization, testing, and deployment on high-performance computing or cloud platforms, as well as collaborating with research teams to document findings and secure future funding.This role is intended to be one year in duration with the possibility of extension based on available funding. This is a hybrid position requiring at least 3 days onsite.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop research software. Create, design, and implement software, frameworks, and prototypes to support research goals.
• Build and maintain applications and backend services, primarily in Python.
• Collaborate with researchers to understand scientific requirements and translate them into reliable, efficient, and scalable software solutions.
• Apply software engineering best practices including testing, version control, code quality, and reproducibility.
• Optimize and maintain codebases for performance, reliability, security, and long-term sustainability.
• Manage software projects by defining milestones, timelines, and release plans, and coordinating development efforts.
• Deploy and support research software on high-performance computing (HPC) systems and cloud platforms.
• Produce clear documentation including user guides, technical reports, and implementation notes; communicate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate as an active team member, participating in peer code reviews and contributing to shared development standards.
• Investigates, analyzes, and resolves day-to-day technical problems using standard procedures.
• Performs code testing on components to ensure that appropriate implementation standards are met. Evaluates design alternatives for development cost and solutions using various methods.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree.
• Technical Skills or Knowledge: Knowledge of Linux/UNIX systems and shell scripting.
• Technical Skills or Knowledge: Experience with Python, and Docker.
• Technical Skills or Knowledge: Skillful at developing, designing, deploying and supporting applications.
• Technical Skills or Knowledge: Basic knowledge of relational and non-relational (NoSQL) databases such as MySQL.
• Technical Skills or Knowledge: Experience with Git and in general with version control.
• Technical Skills or Knowledge: Identify and gain expertise in appropriate new technologies and/or software tools.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to understand and translate researchers' scientific goals into computational requirements.
• Ability to identify and gain expertise in appropriate new technologies and/or software tools.
• Ability to function as part of an interactive team while demonstrating self-initiative to achieve project's goals and Research Computing Center's mission.
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work well with faculty and researchers.
• Experience writing or contributing to grant proposals.
• Versatile, enthusiastic, and eager to learn new skills.
• Possess a willingness and ability to support a diverse and inclusive environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the sec