Systems Engineer, Science Education Alliance (SEA) Full-time NEW

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

Summary
HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production. Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between. The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

HHMI’s Science Education department works to engage, educate, and inspire people everywhere with opportunities for faculty at colleges and universities to participate in national collaborative research projects managed through the Science Education Alliance (SEA) program, comprehensive educational tools and resources developed and managed through the BioInteractive program, and student-centered initiatives managed through the Success in Science program.

The Systems Engineer, SEA will be a member of the Science Education Alliance (SEA) Research Team. This position requires a passion for coding, with a strong proficiency in Python, Rust, PostgreSQL, Linux systems, and containerization technologies.

As the Systems Engineer, SEA, you will manage and develop large-scale genomic and proteomics databases, maintain and develop bioinformatics software and pipelines for comparative data analyses, develop utilities to support high-throughput data processing, and oversee data storage systems and computational infrastructure.

This role works a predominantly remote schedule with occasional travel to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD.

This position will remain open until Friday, September 26th at 5:00pm after which applications will no longer be accepted.

What we offer:

• Collaborative, Supportive Environment: Work closely with a passionate, highly collaborative team dedicated to advancing HHMI’s mission and strategic goals in the realm of science education.
• Professional Growth Opportunity: Apply your coding, computational, and data analytics expertise while expanding your skills in a dynamic, innovation-focused environment.
• Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development.

What you will do:

• Write excellent code and make implementation decisions based on:
  • (a) advanced understanding of the software development lifecycle, spanning customer requirements, planning, design, prototyping, agile feedback, implementation, maintenance, testing, and requirements staging,
  • (b) technology selection,
  • (c) implementation style (degree of object orientation, degree of performance optimization, framework leverage),
  • (d) likelihood of reusability or service containerization, and
  • (e) documentation requirements
• Approach project with a holistic awareness of software design patterns and systems architecture appropriate for the task, which will influence code-writing style and technology choices.
• Collaborate with SEA faculty, staff, and researchers to translate scientific requirements into technical solutions, ensuring infrastructure aligns with program goals and evolving research needs.
• Will be capable of translating technical requirements into agile strategy that emphasizes user engagement and encompasses software design, development, implementation, and testing.
• Maintain, enhance, and scale a relational database that hosts thousands of biological datasets. Design and integrate new databases and software tools to support program growth and research needs. Enhance API and backend features to improve data access and system performance.
• Develop, maintain, automate (using Python scripts), and optimize data processing pipelines to ensure functionality and efficient ingestion, transformation, and delivery of datasets, including database management and file conversions.
• Package and deploy major bioinformatics tools using containerization technologies such as Docker or Singularity to ensure reproducibility across different computing environments.
• Write and maintain clear, user-friendly technical documentation, especially for internal tools, APIs, and workflows.
• Oversee server storage for datasets, optimize use of local and cloud computing resources, and plan for future scaling needs as database grows. Implement robust data backup, archiving, and disaster recovery strategies in compliance with institutional standards.
• Effectively communicate with both scientists and team members, including ad-hoc conversations, meetings, presentations, emails, and group collaboration tools as needed.
• Identify technology solutions, and establish coding style and workflow prioritization, taking into account team needs.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or scientific discipline, or equivalent combination of education and work experience, is required.
• Minimum of six (6) years of experience in software development with experience in technical project leadership is required.
• Expertise in Python, Rust, and Java is required. Additional expertise in C++ is preferred.
• Experience with Linux/Unix is required.
• Experience with PostgreSQL database management system is required.
• Experience with either Docker or Singularity is required.
• Git version control skills are required.
• Demonstrated expertise with software development tools and code repositories is required.
• Expertise in software systems and architecture is required.
• Experience with scientific programming, algorithms, databases, and/or 3D visualization is preferred.
• A familiarity with bioinformatics is preferred. Experience working with sequence data (FASTA, GenBank) and bioinformatic software would be a plus.
• Experience working in a research environment would be a plus.
• Ability to work as a technical leader.
• Ability to assume personal responsibility for major projects.
• Excellent communication skills and teamwork skills.
• A strong desire to continuously learn, improve, and strengthen your software skillset to increase your impact and project versatility.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a CV or resume and a brief, one-page cover letter stating how your qualifications and experience match the requirements and how they will support HHMI in its mission.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-NG1

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our site to learn more.

Compensation Range
$117,180.00 (minimum) – $146,500.00 (midpoint) – $190,470.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:
Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate’s education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

We use to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Tagged as: Engineering