Senior Software Developer

Center for Connected Learning & Computer-Based Modeling

Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

• Start date as soon as possible.
• $95K/yr - $130K/yr Hybrid Full-time Mid-Senior level
• Skills: System Builder, Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Agent-based Simulation …

Job Summary

Headed by Professor Uri Wilensky, Northwestern’s Center for Connected Learning & Computer-Based Modeling (CCL) is looking for a full-time Software Developer to work on NetLogo. If you are a system builder and can design and implement a whole application independently, this position is ideal for you! The Software Developer works in a small collaborative development team in a research group that also includes professors, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates, supporting the needs of multiple research projects. A major focus would be on development of NetLogo (in both Desktop and Web form), an open-source modeling environment for both education and scientific research. CCL grants also involve development work on HubNet, NetTango and other associated tools for NetLogo, including research and educational NSF grants involving building, delivering, and assessing NetLogo-based science curricula for secondary schools. NetLogo is the most widely used agent-based modeling software, and has hundreds of thousands of users worldwide using it for both research and education.

Specific Responsibilities

Development

• Develops and maintains software infrastructure, via patches, bundles, releases and maintenance packs.
• Codes software applications adhering to designs supporting internal business requirements or external users.
• Designs databases and data structures.
• Meets with stakeholders to determine requirements.
• Collaborates with and leads the NetLogo development team in designing features for NetLogo, NetLogo Web, NetTango, HubNet and web-based versions of these applications; writes code independently, and in the context of a team of experienced software engineers and principal investigator.
• Interacts with commercial and academic partners to help determine design and functional requirements for NetLogo, interacts with user community including responding to bug reports, questions, and suggestions, interacting with open-source contributors assessing and merging their contributions. Triages, prioritizes, fixes documents, and communicates on end-user issue reports.
• Researches and develops new algorithms and statistical techniques designed for analyzing data based on customer needs.

Administration/Operations

• Responds to customer inquiries via phone, online, in-person, etc.
• Creates and maintains code documentation.
• Evaluates feature/upgrade/change requests and recommends action.
• Identifies database and software performance issues, and makes adjustments.
• Performs data collection, organization, and summarization for projects; assists with coordination of team activities.
• Creates, updates and documents existing models using NetLogo, and web-based applications; creates new such models.

Strategic Planning

• Collaborates with end users to develop workflow and best practices.
• Partners with end users in designing features for technology.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  Minimum Qualifications
• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 2 years of relevant work experience required.
• Demonstrated experience and enthusiasm for writing clean, modular, well-tested code.
• Experience with working effectively as part of a small software development team, including close collaboration, distributed version control, and automated testing.
• Experience with open-source software development and supporting the growth of an open-source community.
• Experience with Linux as well as experience with GitHub and GitHub Actions or other testing and deployment automation tools.
• Experience with GUI design; language design and compilers.
• Experience with building web-based applications, both server-side and client-side components, particularly with html5 and JavaScript.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience or the equivalent in projects built.
• Experience with at least one JVM language such as Java.
• Experience with Scala programming, or enthusiasm for learning it.
• Experience with Haskell, Lisp, or other functional languages.
• Interest in and experience with programming language implementation, functional programming, and metaprogramming.
• Experience with GUI design; language design and compilers.
• Interest in and experience with computer-based modeling and simulation, especially agent-based simulation.
• Interest in and experience with distributed, multiplayer, networked systems and/or participatory simulations.
• Experience with physical computing.
• Experience with cross-platform mobile development.
• Experience working on research projects in an academic environment.
• Interest in education and an understanding of secondary school math and science content.

Salary

Target hiring range for this position will be between $95,000-$130,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

How to Apply

Please send cover letter, resume and any other relevant materials to [email protected] The review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Formal application process and approval through the Northwestern job board is also required.

About Northwestern University

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life And Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Additional Information

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.