Software Engineer

Description

Position Description

Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is a community of Information Technology professionals committed to delivering service and technological solutions in support of teaching, learning, research and administration.  We are recruiting an IT workforce that has both breadth in their ability to collaborate and innovate across disciplines – and depth in specific areas of expertise. HUIT offers opportunities for IT professionals to learn and work in a unique technology landscape and service-focused environment. If you are a technically proficient, nimble, user-focused, and accountable IT professional who also connects with the importance of collaborating well in a team environment, we are looking for you!

Arts and Humanities Research Computing (DARTH) provides consultation, instruction, project management, and software development for faculty engaged in digital humanities projects.  Reporting to the Director of Arts and Humanities Research Computing, this position will work on a team of software engineers to build, maintain, and support web-based faculty research projects. These projects cover a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, pigments used in historic South Asian paintings, ancient Egyptian archaeology, Irish and Scottish folklore, and proposed amendments to the US Constitution. This position will communicate directly with faculty and their research assistants to translate research goals into software by gathering requirements, designing solutions, getting feedback during development sprints, and explaining technical solutions to a non-technical audience.

The ideal candidate works best within a team environment, is a self-starter, and is capable of handling multiple projects.  The candidate demonstrates flexibility with regards to development platforms, as well as an ability to adapt to new development languages and libraries.  Additionally, the candidate exhibits a strong interest in the humanities in order to better understand the scholarly motivations of these research projects.

Typical Core Duties: 

• Participate fully in the software development life cycle  
• Implement and support technical solutions to support humanities research  
• Contribute ideas to coding best practices and new technologies  
• Advise faculty on best practices and solutions for humanities research   
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies and Code of Conduct  

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Working knowledge of Python   
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git  
• Experience with;
  • SQL or NoSQL databases, such as Postgres, MySQL, or Elasticsearch 
  • Django or Ruby on Rails
  • (Modern) JavaScript framework such as React, Vue, or Angular  
  • Digital humanities technologies such as natural language processing, data visualization libraries, web GIS, computer vision, or machine learning 
  • Cloud platforms such as AWS 
• Familiarity with WCAG accessibility standards  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in communicating with non-technical audiences
• Consultative approach to applying technological solutions to humanities research   
• Enthusiasm, interest, and flexibility in acquiring new or emerging technology skills  
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects  

Certificates and Licenses

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

Please provide a cover letter with your application.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening. 
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship. 
• This position has a 180-day orientation and review period. 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Accessibility: 
Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request an accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

More about HUIT:
Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is responsible for the strategy, planning, and delivery of information technology across the University.  Our mission is to assure Harvard’s leadership in IT. We strive to make it easier for faculty, students, and staff to teach, research, learn and work through the effective use of information technology.  HUIT’s core values are User Focused, Collaborative, Innovative and Open.

HUIT’s core values are: 

• User-focused 
• Collaborative 
• Innovative 
• Open

IT Academy (designed for IT Staff):
HUIT’s IT Academy aims to enable each IT staff person to grow professionally and become a trusted partner to her or his team. The IT Academy is built on the belief that every IT staff member across the University (including technology employees at each school and campus) can grow in her or his area of expertise as well as building strong people and project management skills. Learn more here: https://itacademy.harvard.edu/ 

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Information Technology

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

I0758P Applications Professional IV

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

058

Department

Arts & Humanities Research Computing

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.