Specify Software Developer
Role Overview
Front-end: TypeScript, React, JavaScript, Tailwind CSS, Node.js/npm
Back-end: Python, Django, SQLAlchemy, Celery, REST/OpenAPI
Data and services: MariaDB/MySQL, Redis
Build and deployment: Docker, Linux, Webpack, GitHub Actions, Nginx, Gunicorn
Testing and development: Pytest, Jest, automated CI/CD, code review
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
Position Overview
Front-end: TypeScript, React, JavaScript, Tailwind CSS, Node.js/npm
Back-end: Python, Django, SQLAlchemy, Celery, REST/OpenAPI
Data and services: MariaDB/MySQL, Redis
Build and deployment: Docker, Linux, Webpack, GitHub Actions, Nginx, Gunicorn
Testing and development: Pytest, Jest, automated CI/CD, code review
70%
Contribute to the development and extension of the Specify 7 web platform by applying sound software engineering practices in design, implementation, documentation, and automated testing to deliver reliable, maintainable software with a global impact.
Develop, test, debug, document, and maintain software with an appropriate level of independence, seeking guidance when needed and taking responsibility for understanding and resolving assigned technical problems.
Investigate software issues by reading existing code and documentation, reproducing problems, using appropriate development and debugging tools, and researching solutions before requesting assistance.
Write and maintain automated tests and use testing, code review, and continuous integration practices to help ensure the reliability and maintainability of the software.
Participate in code reviews by providing and responding to constructive technical feedback and applying established coding and architectural standards.
Interact with team members to discuss software issues and features, and determine an appropriate technical approach based on requirements, existing code, documentation, and established development practices.
Participate in technical and architectural discussions, contribute to decisions regarding implementation approaches, security, standards, and software design, and help improve development tools, workflows, testing practices, and DevOps processes. Research unfamiliar technical questions and use existing code, documentation, and appropriate development tools to independently investigate and resolve problems before seeking assistance when needed.
Work with team members to understand requirements, investigate technical problems, evaluate implementation options, and contribute to solutions that are general, flexible, maintainable, and scalable. Develop a growing understanding of the Specify platform and its architecture while taking increasing ownership of assigned work.
Learn and work effectively within an existing, complex software system, gradually developing a deeper understanding of the Specify platform and its technical architecture.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Biology, or closely related field with 2 years of professional software development experience OR a Master’s degree in a related field plus demonstrated software development experience.
- Demonstrated understanding of fundamental software engineering principles, including software design, implementation, debugging, testing, and version control, as evidenced by application materials.
- Previous experience with Python and JavaScript or TypeScript, with an understanding of fundamental programming concepts, as evidenced by application materials.
- Demonstrated experience learning independently, researching unfamiliar technical problems, and applying new knowledge to assigned work as evidenced by application materials.
- Fundamental understanding of how web applications work, as evidenced by application materials.
- Successful collaborative work in a team or group environment as evidenced by application materials.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills as evidenced by application materials and previous work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency in the use of the Typescript + React framework as evidenced by application materials and previous experience.
- Professional experience with front-end/UI development for end-user applications.
- Competency with a variety of object-oriented and functional programming languages as evidenced by application materials and previous experience.
- Experience with test automation, Agile development practices, CI/CD, GitHub, Virtual machines and Docker.
- Experience with relational database systems, including proficiency with SQL and principles of relational database design.
- Experience deploying and managing applications on Amazon Web Services (AWS), including use of services such as EC2, S3, and RDS.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, or experience with cloud management best practices on AWS, including infrastructure as code, monitoring, and cost optimization.
- Experience working in a structured release process to deliver high-quality software to a user/client community.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, or experience with domains including biodiversity, bioinformatics, museum studies, or environmental sciences.
- Experience with web development troubleshooting practices including use of browser developer tools.
- Experience using Git and GitHub in a collaborative software development environment, including branching, pull requests, code review, and resolving merge conflicts.
- Experience working with an existing codebase rather than exclusively developing standalone or academic projects.
Contact Information to Applicants
Applications must be submitted online at employment.ku.edu. For questions about the position, you may contact Aimee Stewart at [email protected] .
A complete application consists of
- Resume including a link to a portfolio demonstrating software development skills. Examples may include a software portfolio, open-source contributions, technical documentation, descriptions of significant professional projects, or other materials demonstrating the applicant's individual contributions, technical skills, and engineering decision-making. Applicants should clearly explain their role in the work presented. A GitHub profile without context or explanation is insufficient.
- Cover letter addressing how you meet the required qualifications and describing at least one technically challenging software development project, including your individual contributions, technical decisions, and resulting outcomes.
- Three professional or supervisory references.
Advertised Salary Range
- $70,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience
FTE
1.0
Reg/Temp
Regular
FLSA Status
Administrative
Employee Class
U-Unclassified Professional Staff
Work Schedule
- M-F, 8-5
Job Family
Information Technology-KUL
Work Location Assignment
- Hybrid
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.
About University of Kansas
Public research university educating students and serving Kansas through teaching, research, and public service.
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