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.

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.