Software Developer I

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology in Ames seeks a Software Developer I. You will develop software for the NRI survey and CSSM clients, involving statistical methods, estimation programs, database and web applications.

Preferred candidates hold a CS-related degree and have experience in higher education, NRI familiarity, and programming with machine learning and contrastive learning methods. This is a fixed-term position ending March 31, 2027.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, statistics, or related field preferred.
• Experience in higher education setting preferred.
• Knowledge or experience with NRI is a plus.
• Programming experience with machine learning and LLMs is desirable.
• Programming experience with contrastive learning methodology is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for the USDA-sponsored National Resources Inventory (NRI) survey and CSSM clients.
• Involve with software development using statistical methods and algorithms.
• Develop estimation programs with statistical sampling and imputation methods.
• Perform database programming and systems programming.
• Engage in web application programming.
• Collaborate with CSSM teams and external partners as needed.

Skills

ML programming

Contrastive learning

Higher education experience

NRI knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in computer science / related field

Job description

Position Title:

Software Developer I

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

Job Description:

The Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology (CSSM) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking a Software Developer I. CSSM provides statistical research and consulting, data analysis, software development, and IT support related to grants and cooperative agreements. CSSM works with a number of groups including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other groups at Iowa State University. This position is specifically responsible for the development of software for the USDA-sponsored National Resources Inventory (NRI) survey and other CSSM clients. This position will be involved with one or more of the following components: software development with statistical methods and algorithms; development of an estimation program with statistical sampling and imputation methods; database programming; systems programing; web application programming.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, statistics, or related field
• Previous experience working in a higher education setting
• Previous knowledge or experience working with NRI
• Programming experience with machine learning and LLMs
• Programming experience with contrastive learning methodology

The Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology (CSSM) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University provides statistical research and consulting, data analysis, software development, and IT support related to grants and cooperative agreements. CSSM works with a number of groups including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), and within ISU, the Survey & Behavioral Research Services (SBRS).

For more information about CSSM, please visit: https://www.cssm.iastate.edu/

This a term position with an end date of 3/31/2027. The possibility for renewal is based on funding availability.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

March 31, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS808

Original Posting Date:

November 6, 2026

Posting Close Date:

November 12, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R20057

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.