Software Developer I

Iowa State University; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology is seeking a Software Developer I. The role focuses on developing software for the USDA-sponsored NRI survey, applying statistical methods and algorithms, and supporting CSSM clients.

The position supports database, systems, and web application programming, with a term appointment ending March 31, 2027. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience with statistical software development,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for the USDA-sponsored NRI survey and CSSM clients.
• Work on software with statistical methods and algorithms.
• Develop estimation programs with sampling and imputation methods.
• Perform database programming.
• Contribute to systems programming and web application programming.

Skills

Software development

Web application programming

Database programming

Systems programming

Machine learning

LLMs

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or 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.

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

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

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.

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

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.

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. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

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.