Assistant Director, Facilities

Department
 

PSD Data Science

About the Department
 

The Data Science Institute (DSI) executes the University of Chicago’s bold, innovative vision of Data Science as a new discipline. The DSI seeds research on the interdisciplinary frontiers of this emerging field, forms partnerships with industry, government, and social impact organizations, and supports holistic data science education. The DSI is also part of an ambitious, multi-year expansion of computer and data science efforts at the University of Chicago.

Job Summary
 

The Internet Access and Equity research initiative at the UChicago Data Science Institute (DSI) is looking for an outstanding candidate with expertise in software engineering, and, ideally, a demonstrated ability applying skills to solve problems at the intersection of data science and social impact.
Aimed at candidates whose passion lies in developing innovative solutions to real-world data science problems, this position offers the opportunity to lead cutting-edge data science projects applied to IoT, network measurement and performance. Working in collaboration with the Internet Access and Equity research and engineering team, the Software Engineer (SE) will lead the software development for managing and securing a fleet of remote measurement devices, as well as the development of an online portal for research projects.
The Software Engineer will perform a variety of activities related to analysis, design, development, debugging, and modification of computer code for software and configuration management. In addition, the SE will be responsible for developing and supporting the network measurement code, creating and deploying observability tools to ensure best practices of site reliability engineering.
We are on a mission to bridge the digital divide in underserved urban areas at scale; your work will have a direct impact understanding how the Internet performs across communities at the national level.

Responsibilities

• Leads, participates in the evaluation, definition and documentation of requirements and architecture and design of complex systems based on knowledge of relevant software technologies being developed and/or used in commercial and scientific communities.
• Prototypes, develops, tests, code reviews, documents, deploys and maintains high-quality software, including extensions to configuration management system and/or IoT fleet management software interfaces, command-line interfaces, and other client applications.
• Engages proactively with other team members, both within the functional area and in other areas to design, develop and deliver quality products. Participates in team coordination and development activities, including project planning, project reporting, and recruitment.
• Maintains a working knowledge of relevant software technologies.
• Designs 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.
• Utilizes technical knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, including public cloud offerings from Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:         

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering or related field.

Experience:       

• Relevant programming experience developing, implementing, debugging, and maintaining applications with Python.
• Background in building web applications and APIs that power them.
• An interest in and experience writing software to support data-driven applications and research.

Technical knowledge skills

• Distributed version control system (e.g., Git).
• Strong Linux, shell scripting and security tools (e.g. bash, iptables).
• Strong Python skills.
• Strong computer security skills (vulnerability assessment, pen testing, sec toolkits).
• SQL databases (e.g. PostgreSQL, SQLite).
• Background with containers and infrastructure (e.g. Docker, Docker-compose).
• Configuration Management Systems (e.g., SaltStack, Ansible, Puppet).
• Observability Tools (e.g., Grafana/InfluxDB)
• Agile (e.g. Scrum) development processes.
• Cloud Computing (e.g. AWS, Google Cloud).
• Unit and integration testing tools (e.g. pytest, TravisCI).
• HTTP servers (e.g. Apache, NGINX).
• Experience contributing to an open source project.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable using standard software development applications and tools.
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload to meet critical project milestones and deadlines.
• Confidentiality related to sensitive University matters such as, strategic initiatives, trade secrets, quiet periods, and scientific discoveries yet to be put in the public domain.
• Experience with full software design life cycle.
• Effectively articulate technical concepts, challenges, and solutions, and engage proactively with team members.
• Experience managing project requirements using Agile methods.
• Cloud infrastructure certifications.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Information Technology

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

COVID-19 Vaccination or Approved Medical or Religious Exemption Required
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Effective October 15, 2021, the University of Chicago requires COVID vaccination for all students, faculty, and staff members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.
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.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Department
 

PSD Data Science

About the Department
 

The Data Science Institute (DSI) executes the University of Chicago’s bold, innovative vision of Data Science as a new discipline. The DSI seeds research on the interdisciplinary frontiers of this emerging field, forms partnerships with industry, government, and social impact organizations, and supports holistic data science education. The DSI is also part of an ambitious, multi-year expansion of computer and data science efforts at the University of Chicago.

Job Summary
 

The Internet Access and Equity research initiative at the UChicago Data Science Institute (DSI) is looking for an outstanding candidate with expertise in software engineering, and, ideally, a demonstrated ability applying skills to solve problems at the intersection of data science and social impact.
Aimed at candidates whose passion lies in developing innovative solutions to real-world data science problems, this position offers the opportunity to lead cutting-edge data science projects applied to IoT, network measurement and performance. Working in collaboration with the Internet Access and Equity research and engineering team, the Software Engineer (SE) will lead the software development for managing and securing a fleet of remote measurement devices, as well as the development of an online portal for research projects.
The Software Engineer will perform a variety of activities related to analysis, design, development, debugging, and modification of computer code for software and configuration management. In addition, the SE will be responsible for developing and supporting the network measurement code, creating and deploying observability tools to ensure best practices of site reliability engineering.
We are on a mission to bridge the digital divide in underserved urban areas at scale; your work will have a direct impact understanding how the Internet performs across communities at the national level.

Responsibilities

• Leads, participates in the evaluation, definition and documentation of requirements and architecture and design of complex systems based on knowledge of relevant software technologies being developed and/or used in commercial and scientific communities.
• Prototypes, develops, tests, code reviews, documents, deploys and maintains high-quality software, including extensions to configuration management system and/or IoT fleet management software interfaces, command-line interfaces, and other client applications.
• Engages proactively with other team members, both within the functional area and in other areas to design, develop and deliver quality products. Participates in team coordination and development activities, including project planning, project reporting, and recruitment.
• Maintains a working knowledge of relevant software technologies.
• Designs 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.
• Utilizes technical knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, including public cloud offerings from Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:         

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering or related field.

Experience:       

• Relevant programming experience developing, implementing, debugging, and maintaining applications with Python.
• Background in building web applications and APIs that power them.
• An interest in and experience writing software to support data-driven applications and research.

Technical knowledge skills

• Distributed version control system (e.g., Git).
• Strong Linux, shell scripting and security tools (e.g. bash, iptables).
• Strong Python skills.
• Strong computer security skills (vulnerability assessment, pen testing, sec toolkits).
• SQL databases (e.g. PostgreSQL, SQLite).
• Background with containers and infrastructure (e.g. Docker, Docker-compose).
• Configuration Management Systems (e.g., SaltStack, Ansible, Puppet).
• Observability Tools (e.g., Grafana/InfluxDB)
• Agile (e.g. Scrum) development processes.
• Cloud Computing (e.g. AWS, Google Cloud).
• Unit and integration testing tools (e.g. pytest, TravisCI).
• HTTP servers (e.g. Apache, NGINX).
• Experience contributing to an open source project.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable using standard software development applications and tools.
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload to meet critical project milestones and deadlines.
• Confidentiality related to sensitive University matters such as, strategic initiatives, trade secrets, quiet periods, and scientific discoveries yet to be put in the public domain.
• Experience with full software design life cycle.
• Effectively articulate technical concepts, challenges, and solutions, and engage proactively with team members.
• Experience managing project requirements using Agile methods.
• Cloud infrastructure certifications.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Information Technology

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

COVID-19 Vaccination or Approved Medical or Religious Exemption Required
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Effective October 15, 2021, the University of Chicago requires COVID vaccination for all students, faculty, and staff members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.
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.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.