Senior Software Engineer

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago

Chicago (IL)

On-site

USD 80,000 - 120,000

Full time

Just now

Be an early applicant

Application generator

Get a reply from this employer — a resume and cover letter tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

The Center for Translational Data Science (CTDS) at the University of Chicago is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, develop, test, and maintain web applications across open-source platforms, with opportunities to contribute across full-stack tasks. This at-will position is funded by grant money and may require adapting to evolving project requirements.

Minimum 3+ years in software development; strong Python; plus Golang/JavaScript; experience with REST APIs, microservices, containers,

Qualifications

Advanced degree in CS / math / stats / eng or related field.
Minimum 3+ years of full-cycle software development experience.
Strong Python (preferred); Golang/JavaScript a plus; other languages acceptable.
Knowledge of web apps, REST API, microservices and containers.
Experience with Elasticsearch, PostgreSQL, Spark, Hadoop and data analysis.
Familiarity with configuration tools and cloud platforms (Chef, Salt, Ansible; AWS, GCP, OpenStack).

Responsibilities

Develop, test, and maintain web applications for open‑source platforms.
Review code, provide mentorship, and contribute to technical leadership.
Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and analyze requirements.
Participate in hiring and interview feedback processes.
Investigate and resolve day‑to‑day technical problems.

Skills

Python

Golang

JavaScript

C/C++

Java

Education

Advanced degree in computer science / math / stats / eng

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Elasticsearch

PostgreSQL

Spark

Hadoop

Chef

Salt

Ansible

AWS

GCP

OpenStack

Job description

Department

BSD CTD - Engineering - Plan X

About The Department

The Center for Translational Data Science (CTDS) at the University of Chicago is a research center whose mission is to develop the discipline of translational data science to impactful problems in biology, medicine, healthcare, and the environment. We envision a world in which researchers have ready access to the data needed and the tools required to make data driven discoveries that increase our scientific knowledge and improve the quality of life. We architect ecosystems of large-scale commons of research data, computing resources, applications, tools, and services for the broader research community to use data at scale to pursue scientific inquiry and accelerate discovery. Learn more at https://gdc.cancer.gov/, https://gen3.org/, https://stats.gen3.org/, and https://ctds.uchicago.edu/.

Job Summary

Senior Software Engineers perform web application development activities of open-source software platforms, including analyzing business and technical requirements, designing/developing/testing software, reviewing and testing code, supporting and maintaining applications, and providing appropriate written documentation of project development and programming code. All engineers are expected to be flexible for full-stack development, and some may have a specialty in back end or frontend technologies.

This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

Responsible for technical tasks and timely delivery of such tasks, meeting the required level of quality.
Participation in complex and challenging activities, including design and implementation.
Provide support and maintenance for existing applications.
Provide technical mentorship to interns and onboarding staff and technical leadership in technical initiatives.
Actively participate in the hiring process and provide fair and productive interview feedback.
Elaborate on technical solutions internally and externally when required.
Investigates, analyzes and resolves day-to-day technical problems using standard procedures.
Works with stakeholders to gather and analyze requirements for developmental programs. Receives a moderate level of guidance to design applications to meet University and business requirements.
Performs code testing on components and works to ensure that appropriate implementation standards are met. Evaluates design alternatives for development cost and solutions using various methods.
Supports and maintains existing applications. Works with web developers and responds to requests from users.
Performs other related work as needed.

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.

Education:

Advanced degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or a relevant quantitative field.

Experience:

3+ years of relevant software development experience, full cycle, including design, coding, testing, and support.
Programming skills using Python (preferred), Golang/Javascript (a plus), or other languages like C/C++, Java, or C# with advanced skills in at least one of these languages.
Knowledge of web applications, REST API, microservices, and containers.
Knowledge of Elasticsearch, PostgreSQL, Spark, Hadoop, and data analysis.
Knowledge of configuration management utilities (Chef, Salt, Ansible) and container-based deployment solutions (Docker, Kubernetes).
High performance/cloud computing experience (AWS, GCP, Openstack).
Unix/Linux programming, open source, and version control experience.
Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Openstack), CI/CD, and Agile methodologies.

Preferred Competencies

Ability to collaborate and interact effectively with team members, following guidelines and best practices and ensuring accountability for deliverables and outcomes.
Ability to take multiple complex tasks and break them into smaller ones, estimating the effort needed to complete them, prioritizing them appropriately, and ensuring the completion of each task, meeting the required level of quality.
Ability to prioritize and manage workload to meet project milestones and deadlines.
Ability to adopt and support new structures or systems to meet objectives.
Ability to take and provide constructive and helpful input and feedback on technical issues.
In-depth knowledge in core technical areas, including in-depth knowledge of one or more modern programming languages, or having demonstrated the ability to achieve that level of proficiency in a short period of time.

Working Conditions

Office 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.

Job Family

Information Technology

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

Drug Test Required

Health Screen Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt