Research Infrastructure and Software Engineer

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is launching an initiative to build the best-in-class research enablement environment for public policy. Over the next two years, the School will pilot and pressure test strategies and solutions addressing the increasing complexity of the research and research compliance environment. This position will directly support this work.

As a member of the Research Computing and Data Services (RCDS) team in Library and Research Services (LRS) at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and reporting to the Director of Research Computing and Data Services, the Research Infrastructure and Software Engineer will design and build software and platforms for fast, reproducible, and scalable research. You will problem-solve and apply out-of-the-box technical solutions to address the ever-increasing complexity of research and research compliance. You’ll work under the direction of the Director of Research Computing and Data Services, and in close collaboration with LRS research enablement staff. You will partner with Harvard’s cloud vendors, the HKS research community, HKS Information Technology, Harvard University Information Technology, and Harvard High Performance Computing units to design reliable compute, data, and experimentation systems.

We seek candidates who have:

• An ability to work in a distributed organization that often requires collaborating with multiple parties to accomplish objectives
• An ability to partner with research, business, and technical subject matter experts to successfully develop and implement solutions
• The willingness and proven ability to think strategically, and proactively take responsibility, ownership, and action to ensure the success of projects and initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative and/or team environment.
• A commitment to belonging, community, and connection.

Within LRS, we value continually learning. You will be expected to continually pursue new areas for learning related to this role and use newly gained skills and knowledge on the job. You will also encourage and support this learning for other members of LRS.

HKS, including LRS, is committed to building a welcoming and supportive community of staff, faculty, and students. This position will work toward building such a community and foster an environment in LRS (for colleagues and library patrons) that values and prioritizes belonging, community, and connection.

As Research Infrastructure and Software Engineer, you will:

• Design, build, maintain, and document research computing and storage infrastructure on-prem, in the cloud, or hybrid
• Work closely with the LRS research enablement team to design and develop solutions for research, research enablement, and training at HKS
• Provide guidance and advisory services, and develop and deliver trainings to the HKS research community
• Develop solutions aligned with the Harvard information security and data policies
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and incorporate them into solutions, as appropriate
• Employ best practices in designing, developing, and maintaining solutions
• Collaborate with the members of the Research Computing and Data Services group to develop and continually update and expand a research engineering services and solutions portfolio that addresses current and future needs of the HKS research community
• Build trust and rapport with the HKS research community, HKS and Harvard central IT groups

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related field and a minimum of five years’ relevant work experience, or
• A minimum of nine years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Note: Related degrees include: computer science, software engineering, physics, computational science, or other closely related degree.

Proficiency in Python or another advanced programing language, Experience with building production quality services. Experience with Linux, containerization, orchestration, cloud services, and infrastructure as code. 

If you meet some, but not all of the following, you are encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn. 

• Understanding of technologies employed in research in higher education 

• Familiarity with distributed computation solutions 

• Familiarity with GPU profiling and optimization 

• Experience with data/storage systems   

• Strong prioritization, process, and time management skills  

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence others effectively  

In order to be considered complete, applications must include:

• Resume
• Cover letter including:
  • The reasons why you are interested in this role and your expectations of it.
  • A short description of a project that you are excited about, you have authored or contributed to, including a link to code in its repo that you have written and which demonstrates your technical skills.

• Appointment End Date: This position is funded as part of the school’s vision and strategy process and is a fully benefits-eligible two-year term appointment, with the possibility of renewal. 
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This is a hybrid position and is expected to work on campus in Cambridge, MA a minimum of 3 days/week.

#LI-ES2

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.