Connected Systems Software Developer

02-Apr-2024

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

64591BR

Position Description

Are you excited by working on software development to support cutting edge research in the area of wearable technology and assistive devices? Do you have an interest in how academic research can be translated to innovative products? Do you get excited about enabling a future where sensors can collect rich movement data and enable rehabilitation in the home and community? Do you have a passion for full stack-software development and working in fast paced environments and multi-disciplinary teams? If this excites you, come and join our collaborative team at the Harvard Move Lab!

In this role you will work with researchers in robotics, bioengineering and computer science, and other exciting fields to explore new ideas for cloud-connected wearable devices that monitor and assist with human movement. You will lead software development efforts, primarily focusing on overall software architecture design and implementation. You will bring project management and organizational acumen as well as technical experience. As part of a team, you will develop advanced prototypes for an array of applications from initial specification to full deployment in homes and communities. 

The Harvard Move Lab is assembling the tools, space, expertise, and relationships necessary to support entrepreneurial teams to launch new ventures and bring these innovations to life. This role will afford the successful candidate a unique opportunity to witness their work having a direct and meaningful impact on peoples’ lives, and the potential to pursue their passions with like-minded innovators and possibly be involved with start-ups that may launch from Harvard. The successful candidate will be joining an exciting innovation ecosystem in our new Science and Engineering Complex in Allston, next to the Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Harvard Innovation Labs. Learn more about us at movelab.seas.harvard.edu .

Job Duties 

• Contribute to the development of design specifications for full stack software for cloud-connected wearable technology that meets industry standards and considers software architecture scalability.
• Contribute to the implementation and integration of Move Lab software development efforts in collaboration with other team members and external consultants that can enable data collection during home and community-based field and clinical trials.
• Perform user training and usability testing of the systems during pilot tests at Harvard and other locations, and iterate the design based on feedback.
• Contribute to the organization of software development activities across different research projects, paying attention to timing, goals, and deliverables.
• Ensure data security and user privacy is in line with institutional regulations regarding study participant data.
• Assist with guiding researchers in their own application development and integration efforts.
• Contribute to the development of applications that run on mobile targets and interact with custom built hardware (over Wi-Fi/BLE) and provide clear graphical interfaces to interact with analytical features.

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, similar technical field of study, or equivalent practical experience. 4+ years of experience with one or more general purpose programming languages.
• Full-stack web and mobile app development and deployment experience. Familiarity with source code control systems like SVN / CVS / Git, and with AWS cloud tools including support for multimedia streaming.
• Ability to set and achieve ambitious milestones for team and individual work. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills. Effective problem-solving skills and a consistent sense of curiosity. Desire and ability to learn new skills and utilize emerging new technology.
• Capable of engaging in solving problems that currently do not have well defined solutions and ability to take ownership deliveries, while supporting others in the team in their projects, in a fast-paced environment.

Bonus Skills/Experience

• Working experience with Unix/Linux
• Experience designing and using APIs
• Knowledge of Android development (Java), Python, or JavaScript (React and Nodejs)
• Experience with user interface design and data visualization

Working Conditions

The work is performed in a lab environment. This position may require work outside of standard business hours.

Additional Information

• This is a 2-year term position with the possibility of renewal.
• The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
• Please submit a cover letter and a resume.
• This role will be based full-time on campus at our new Science & Engineering Complex, located at 150 Western Ave, Allston, MA.
• 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.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

About SEAS
The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves as the connector and integrator of Harvard’s teaching and research efforts in engineering, applied sciences, and technology. Our core tenets are: educating broad-minded students; interdisciplinary research; integration across disciplines; and balancing theory, experimentation and practice to create an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. Through collaboration with researchers from all parts of Harvard, other universities, and industry, we bring discovery and innovation directly to bear on improving human life and society. For more information about us, please visit www.seas.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 - Allston

Job Code

I1257P IT RC Software/Data Prof III

Department

SEAS Research Staff

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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.