Senior Research Software Developer

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI) seeks a Senior Research Software Developer to lead the design, development, deployment, and operation of cloud-native computing environments for research and data projects.

You will deliver production-grade software across public-cloud and on-premises platforms, collaborating with researchers and engineers to translate requirements into scalable solutions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience designing, developing, testing, and maintaining production-quality software systems.
• Strong Python programming skills, including services, APIs, automation, data-processing workflows, or research software.
• Strong Unix/Linux programming and systems skills, including shell usage, debugging, and automation.
• Hands-on cloud development across one or more public-cloud and on‑premises environments (AWS, Azure, etc.).
• Experience containerizing applications with Docker or compatible containers.
• Experience deploying, operating, and troubleshooting applications on Kubernetes.
• CI/CD expertise, including GitHub Actions workflows for testing, security checks, image builds, and deployments.
• Knowledge of software engineering fundamentals and agile, team-based development.

Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing software components, data structures, algorithms, APIs, and research workflows using Python and related technologies.
• Developing and operating containerized applications and Kubernetes‑based platforms across AWS, Azure, and on‑premises environments.
• Establishing and improving CI/CD, automated testing, security, reliability, and observability practices, including GitHub Actions, vulnerability scanning, logging, monitoring, and deployment automation.

Skills

Python programming

Unix/Linux

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD

GitHub Actions

Agile

Communication

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

GitHub Actions

Jira

Job description

Department:

Renaissance Computing Inst-637100

Career Area :

Research Professionals

Posting Open Date:

09/08/2026

Application Deadline:

09/21/2026

Open Until Filled:

No

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title:

Senior Research Software Developer

Appointment Type:

EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

01005011

Vacancy ID:

NF0010010

Full Time/Part Time:

Full-Time Permanent

FTE:

1

Hours per week:

40

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

$110,000-$140,000

Proposed Start Date:

10/12/2026

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

Are you ready to go beyond the state of the art? At the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI), we use data, creativity, and inclusive teaming to revitalize how science is done. Fostering data science expertise and creating cyberinfrastructure isn’t just about solving known problems – it’s about expanding human potential by unlocking data. We need innovators, builders, strategists, technologists, architects, and creative thinkers across all domains to drive this work forward. When you join our team, you’ll:

• Spend your time solving the interesting and unique problems of research and development.


• Shape your future through experimentation and unfettered access to premier education and research.


• Make connections to people and projects that ignite your passion.

Position Summary:

The Senior Research Software Developer will lead and contribute to the design, development, deployment, and operation of cloud-native computing environments that support research and data-driven projects at the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI). This position requires hands‑on software engineering expertise and the ability to develop secure, reliable, and maintainable solutions across public-cloud and on‑premises environments. The role will work independently and collaboratively with technical teams, researchers, and institutional partners to translate project requirements into production‑quality research software and infrastructure.

Responsibilities include:

1. Designing and implementing software components, data structures, algorithms, APIs, and research workflows using Python and related technologies.


2. Developing and operating containerized applications and Kubernetes‑based platforms across AWS, Microsoft Azure, and on‑premises environments.


3. Establishing and improving CI/CD, automated testing, security, reliability, and observability practices, including GitHub Actions, vulnerability scanning, logging, monitoring, and deployment automation.

The Senior Research Software Developer will work closely with RENCI technical leadership, project managers, research partners, and infrastructure teams to define requirements, make technical decisions, implement and deploy solutions, demonstrate functionality, and incorporate user feedback. The position is expected to exercise independent judgment, take ownership of substantial development tasks, and contribute technical guidance within collaborative, agile project teams.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

• Demonstrated experience designing, developing, testing, and maintaining production-quality software systems.


• Strong Python programming skills, including experience developing services, APIs, automation, data-processing workflows, or research software.


• Strong Unix/Linux programming and systems skills, including shell usage, debugging, process management, networking fundamentals, and automation.


• Hands‑on cloud development experience across one or more public-cloud and on‑premises environments, with the ability to work across AWS, Microsoft Azure, and institutional infrastructure.


• Hands‑on experience containerizing applications with Docker or compatible container technologies.


• Hands‑on experience deploying, operating, and troubleshooting applications on Kubernetes.


• Demonstrated CI/CD expertise, including building and maintaining GitHub Actions workflows for testing, security checks, image builds, and deployments.


• Knowledge of software engineering fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, object-oriented design, version control, automated testing, debugging, security, and documentation.


• Experience working effectively in an agile, team-based development environment, including familiarity with Jira, sprint planning, backlog refinement, estimation, and iterative delivery.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently with researchers, engineers, project managers, and institutional partners.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

• Experience developing software or infrastructure for AI/ML, data science, research computing, or scientific cyberinfrastructure.


• Additional experience in one or more of the following areas:
  
  
  
  • Cloud infrastructure-as-code, Helm, Terraform, or GitOps-based deployment practices
  
  
  • Kubernetes security, observability, identity and access management, or storage integration
  
  
  • Databases, data platforms, distributed systems, GPU-enabled computing, or MLOps workflows
  
  
  
  


• Experience providing technical leadership, mentoring developers, or owning major features or work streams


• Experience working on collaborative research, higher-education, open-source, or cross-institutional software projects

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.