Senior Programming Specialist
Chicago, IL

Job Description

Please make sure to read the job posting in its entirety as it reflects both the University roles and responsibilities, followed by the specific description.

Department42772 Applied Computing and Data Science Center

About the UnitThe Center for Data and Computing (CDAC) is the intellectual hub and incubator for new multidisciplinary data science research at the University of Chicago. We catalyze new discoveries by fusing fundamental and applied research with real-world applications. CDAC projects advance science and discovery through data, computation, and AI while addressing a wide range of societal challenges and technological opportunities. As the focus point for data science research on campus, we engage leaders from industry, government, and academia through innovative events to spark new collaborations and technological discoveries.

Job FamilyInformation Technology

Responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of new and existing applications, systems architecture, and network infrastructure. Ensures operation and security of all servers and networks. Configures, installs, maintains and upgrades applications and hardware for the organization's infrastructure and for end-user devices.

Career Track and Job LevelProgramming

Performs and oversees a variety of activities relating to software support and/or development. Oversees technical development projects and the implementation of applications and/or websites. Provides analysis, design, development, debugging, and modification of computer code for applications, beta general releases, and production support. Develops and builds web pages, applications and user interfaces using a variety of software applications, techniques, and tools. New development, break fixes, maintenance, operational support of code and application ecosystem currently in production. Includes overall application administration and integration management.

P4: Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise. Interprets internal or external University issues and recommends best practices. Solves complex problems; takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions. Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations. May lead cross-functional or divisional teams or projects.

Role ImpactIndividual Contributor

ResponsibilitiesThe job leads and provides expertise to the development of programs for activities relating to software support and/or development. Analyzes, designs, develops, debugs, and modifies computer code for end user applications, beta general releases, and production support. Manages development and implementation of applications, web pages, and user-interfaces using a variety of software applications, techniques, and tools. Solves complex problems in administration, maintenance, integration, and troubleshooting of code and application ecosystem currently in production.

1) Leads in the development of new systems, features, and tools. Solves complex problems and identifies opportunities for technical improvement and performance optimization. Reviews and tests code to ensure appropriate standards are met., 2) Utilizes in-depth technical knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, including public cloud offerings from Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud., 3) Acts as a technical consultant and resource for faculty research, teaching, and/or administrative projects., 4) Leads or coordinates teams or projects for activities relating to software support and/or development., 5) Performs other related work as needed.

Unit-specific Responsibilities

1) Reporting to the Center for Data and Computing (CDAC) Faculty Director, the Senior Programming Specialist serves as the lead technical engineer for data science-related projects at the Center for Data and Computing.

2) The position will serve as the lead scientist on industry, NSF, and DARPA-funded projects on data analysis for network security; over time, the role will expand to include projects across a broader range of disciplines.

3) The specialist will provide infrastructure, development, and operational support---particularly software systems development and support---for CDAC-related projects on campus, as part of a broader effort to democratize data science activities across the University of Chicago.Infrastructure Development. Ensure the availability of cutting-edge data analysis tools for immediate use, from standard SQL databases to big-data/distributed cluster such as Spark. Develop and/or integrate the tools necessary to concentrate and organize datasets and research resources to facilitate sharing and authorized access.

4) Data Modeling, Ingestion, and Preparation. Work closely with faculty and research scientists to define data models and formats for new datasets and data sources, ETL procedures and preparation/filtering/data cleaning scripts. Design, develop and integrate data analysis pipelines, and at the same time, ensuring mobility of applications/services through the use of software containers such as Docker. Automate the deployment of new versions of production code (e.g., data collection web application);

5) Software Development. Develop and support specialized data scrapers, specialized data collection applications (e.g., making use third party APIs from social media websites to retrieve and incorporate new information);

6) Data Visualization and Prototyping. Work closely with faculty and research scientists to create or prototype web applications for custom/interactive data visualizations.

7) Data Analysis Contributions. Explore new methods for mining new information in existing datasets (e.g., Use of Unsupervised Learning/Isomap for clustering a standard MNIST dataset). Test new Machine Learning models to provide alternatives for existing prediction problems.

8) Operations and Outreach. Ensuring that research software developed operates continually to support operational measurement, analysis, and research in operational field deployments. Projects may include:

9) Interaction with Internet service providers, users, and regulatory agencies (e.g., Federal Communications Commission) for support and service of projects related to Internet performance and security.

10) Interaction with other potential partner agencies in the City of Chicago, as well as other national and international partners.

Education, Experience, and CertificationsMinimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

1) Bachelor's degree in computer science or related discipline.

Experience

1) 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline

2) 10+ years of software development on embedded systems

3) Strong software development and system administration experience

4) Experience with the following programming languages and tools

5) Python, Java/Android, C++, MySQL, Postgres Go, Javascript, node.js

6) Git, Inmon, Wireshark, PacketBuilder, GSMTools, Asterisk, Snort, Metasploit, OpenNMS, QXDM (Qualcomm)

7) Experience with the following systems development environments

8) OpenWrt and embedded programming environments (e.g., Odroid, Raspberry Pi)

9) Android UI and back-end development

10) Web front-end development and user interaction design

11) Integration of software with other research measurement testbeds (e.g. RIPE Atlas)

12) Experience with research, including the ability to work closely with Ph.D. students, and the ability to work in a self-directed, independent manner

13) These projects require continual attention to ensure that the deployed software is functional, up-to-date, and secure. Deep experience and knowledge of network measurement, as well as embedded systems of programming and software development

Required Documents

1) Resume

2) Cover Letter

NOTE: When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded under the Resume/CV section of the application

FLSA StatusExempt

Pay FrequencyMonthly

Pay GradeDepends on Qualifications

Scheduled Weekly Hours37.5

Benefits EligibleYes

Drug Test RequiredNo

Health Screen RequiredNo

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNo

Posting Date2019-06-13-07:00

Remove from Posting On or Before2019-12-13-08:00

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff 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.

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