Research Software Engineer

Department

Research Computing Center

About the Department

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.

The Office of Research oversees sponsored research administration, research development, and contract management across the University.

Job Summary

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.

The Research Computing Center (RCC) is seeking a highly motivated Research Software Engineer for developing, maintaining, and optimizing software for research projects by understanding the needs and requirements, and applying software engineering best practices to scientific challenges. Key responsibilities involve coding, algorithm development, performance optimization, testing, and deployment on high-performance computing or cloud platforms, as well as collaborating with research teams to document findings and secure future funding.

This role is intended to be one year in duration with the possibility of extension based on available funding. This is a hybrid position requiring at least 3 days onsite.

Responsibilities

• 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 Qualifications

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.

Certifications:

• --

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• 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.

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.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Information Technology

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$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.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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