Research Software Engineer

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., * 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 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., * Master’s degree.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Linux/UNIX systems and shell scripting.
• Experience with Python, and Docker.
• Skillful at developing, designing, deploying and supporting applications.
• Basic knowledge of relational and non-relational (NoSQL) databases such as MySQL.
• Experience with Git and in general with version control.
• 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.

$76,500.00 - $93,500.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

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.