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Nonprofit
Software Engineer / Research Software Developer (two openings)
Details
Description
How To Apply
To apply, complete the form (copy and paste URL in your web browser) and follow the instructions to upload your application materials.
Applications will be accepted from February 23 to March 4th, or until more than 100 qualified and eligible candidates apply.
CUAHSI is unable to provide visa sponsorship for these positions.
Contact careers@cuahsi.org with questions.
About CUAHSI
The Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI) supports the water science community through shared research infrastructure, collaboration, and education. We partner with universities, federal agencies, and researchers to advance open and reproducible science.
A core part of our work is HydroShare, an open-source, web-based platform for sharing hydrologic data, models, and code (see HydroShare GitHub). HydroShare provides rich metadata management, fine-grained access control, formal data publishing, REST APIs for programmatic access, asynchronous processing workflows, and integration with cloud storage and external services. HydroShare is both production infrastructure and an evolving open-source research platform. Collaboration between engineers and applied researchers is central to how we work.
Overview
CUAHSI is hiring two technical staff members to contribute to HydroShare and related open scientific infrastructure (examples of related past projects: https://floodsavvy.cuahsi.io and https://swotviz.cuahsi.io).
We expect one hire to align more closely with software engineering and infrastructure, and one with research software and scientific tool development.
Applicants may indicate interest in:
- Software Engineer
- Research Software Developer
- OR both tracks
Final role configuration will depend on candidate strengths and how the two hires complement one another and the existing team members. Complementarity and collaborative mindset will be key factors in hiring decisions.
Role Tracks
Research Software Developer
Focus: applied scientific systems, research-driven development, user-facing tools, and prototyping. Our preference for this role is a level I hire.
Candidates may come from computer science, engineering, hydrology, earth science, water science, or related disciplines. Applicants from domain science backgrounds must demonstrate strong independent programming experience.
This role will likely report to the Lead of Research.
Software Engineer
Focus: system reliability, cloud infrastructure, engineering practices, and long-term technical planning. Our preference for this role is a level II hire.
Responsibilities may include contributing to architecture and design, improving cloud infrastructure (GCP preferred), strengthening testing and deployment practices, mentoring junior staff, and participating in technical planning.
Candidates may come from a computer science, engineering, or related discipline.
This role will likely report to the Technical Director / Lead of Software Engineering.
What You’ll Work On
- Maintaining and evolving CUAHSI’s core systems
- Developing and improving REST APIs and backend services
- Building interactive tools for scientific data publication and discovery
- Supporting metadata workflows and data publishing
- Designing and deploying services in cloud environments
- Prototyping research-driven features
- Contributing to open-source code and documentation
- Collaborating closely with scientists and external partners
Qualifications
Track-Specific Background
Software Engineer Track:
- Degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
- Demonstrated experience contributing to structured, multi-author software projects (evidence of strong Python skills preferred)
- Experience with modern web development frameworks and backend services
- Experience participating in planning and design discussions for shared codebases
- Experience with containerization and cloud-based deployments
- Interest in infrastructure-as-code, automation, testing, and other disciplined engineering practices
- Ability to collaborate effectively with other engineers and applied research staff
Research Software Developer Track:
- Degree in computer science, engineering, hydrology, earth science, water science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Strong programming skills (Python preferred)
- Experience building scientific tools, data-driven applications, and research workflows
- Comfort translating domain research needs into usable software systems
- Experience working collaboratively in shared codebases
- For candidates from domain science backgrounds: demonstrated independent technical depth and sustained programming experience beyond coursework
Level-Specific Expectations
Level I (Early-Career):
- Early-career professional experience, graduate/postdoc research, internships, or equivalent
- Ability to contribute to collaborative software projects with adequate guidance
- Clear technical competency and growth potential
Level II (Mid-Level):
- 3+ years professional software development experience
- Ability to work independently and contribute to design discussions
- Experience improving processes or engineering practices
- Interest in mentoring and contributing to technical coordination and planning
Growth and Promotion
CUAHSI maintains a multi-level technical career track (I, II, III, and senior levels). Titles and compensation align with demonstrated capability and responsibility.
There is a clear pathway for advancement within both tracks and lateral or upward moves between tracks. For candidates in the Software Engineering track, there will be opportunities to grow into broader technical planning and management roles, including progression toward Lead of Software Engineering.
Employment Commitment
These positions are grant-funded and are subject to available funding. CUAHSI has a strong track record of securing funding, particularly in technical development and scientific infrastructure, and these positions are central to our organization’s long-term plans.
What We Value
- Collaborative mindset and clear communication
- Ability to work effectively in a small, distributed team
- Interest in open science, open data, and open-source software
- Comfort balancing experimentation with stable production systems
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Location
Associated Location
Suite 410
Apply to This Job
To apply, complete this form and follow the instructions to upload your application materials.
contact careers@cuahsi.org with questions.
