Principal Scientific Software Engineer | Kumar Lab

As a Principal Scientific Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in leading the development of cutting-edge scientific software applications and systems to support research science. You will be at the forefront of designing, implementing, and deploying high-quality solutions. This role demands a highly skilled software engineer comfortable in an agile environment, with a commitment to continuous learning in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

In The Kumar Lab you will be responsible for building and refining machine learning models that derive insights from video streams and generate metrics that will push the cutting edge of the industry. You will join an elite team building a state-of-the-art IoT device and full-stack solution that has the potential to revolutionize biomedical research. You will have the unique opportunity to build critical product features and infrastructure while shaping the direction of the team and the company. The successful candidate will be able to work with multiple internal and external stakeholders, meet timelines, and deliver high-quality models. They will be responsible for meeting software and data standards

What You'll contribute

• Work on a state-of-the-art platform for advancing biomedical research in an Agile development process.
• Build and refine computer vision models for video segmentation, key point detection, pose estimation, identification, and extraction of other features.
• Define and develop algorithms to provide scientists with novel insights into their experiments.
• Collaborate on analysis strategies for large experimental data sets.
• Make leading contributions to high-profile projects at The Jackson Laboratory which would increase the base of partners and enhance the outreach of the organization.
• Contribute to increased revenue generation through grants, partners and clients, develop more effective research, and ultimately greater improvements in human health.
• Deliver education in areas of expertise to JAX and the research community.
• Jointly supervise PhD students and post-doctoral fellows with faculty as needed.
• Work with multiple stakeholders within and outside JAX.
• Document and meet data and code standards.
• Lead the implementation of high-quality projects from high-level aims to execution with minimal supervision from project sponsors/PIs. Drive the publication of applications resulting from these projects.
• Lead or co-lead efforts to identify new bioinformatics applications and technologies. Focus on obtaining approvals and funding for impactful projects. Stay updated on emerging technologies, evaluating their integration into our workflow.
• Provide mentorship to Scientific Software Engineers (SSEs) and offer technical leadership to the team. Actively contribute to the technical growth and development of team members.

What You’re Good At

• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience with a BS or higher degree in computer science or bioinformatics. Significant prior work experience in scientific research software development is considered.
• Fluency in Python. Working familiarity with technologies such as JavaScript, HTML5, JSON, Java, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Flask, and web services. Specialized expertise in web and user interface design and development.
• Extensive knowledge of a broad range of software engineering methodologies, technologies, and scientific applications, particularly in genomics and bioinformatics.
• Extensive experience with Convolutional Neural Networks and other deep learning techniques such as Vision Transformers
• Deep familiarity with machine learning frameworks on Docker or Kubernetes
• Drive the discovery and integration of new technologies, languages, frameworks, and programming techniques.
• Evaluate and deploy improvements to team infrastructure, including project tracking systems, source repository integration, and automated build & deployment infrastructure.
• Stay abreast of scientific developments, faculty research, and industry trends relevant to the work. Develop innovative ideas for applications that meet evolving research needs.
• Represent the institution as a senior technical voice, within the institution and externally showcasing expertise and contributing to the overall technical vision.
• Experience with Computer Vision and/or PyTorch is a plus
• Background in genetics, genomics, and biology, or a strong eagerness to learn and delve into these scientific domains.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are a must. Ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Self-motivated with a “can-do” attitude and persistence to the root of an issue
• Desire to work on a biotech platform that will help cure diseases

The salary range is $121,924 - $176,790. Salary is determined based on qualifications and relevant years of experience.

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org​​​​​​​.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.