Experienced Student Programmer – Biodiversity Institute Software Development with Relational Databases & Data Management in Kansas

Join the Biodiversity Institute's Software Team: Develop Modern Data Science Skills & Contribute to Environmental Research

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented student programmer to join our team at the Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas. As a student programmer, you will have the opportunity to work on various programming projects, develop modern data science skills, and contribute to environmental research. Our team is committed to providing database application software for the world's biological museums to document the world's plant and animal species.

Role Snapshot:

• Compensation: Competitive salary of $16.00/hr FTE .025
• Location: Dyche Hall (Natural History Museum), University of Kansas, Lawrence Campus, Kansas (with flexibility for remote work)
• Position: Student Programmer
• Company: University of Kansas, Biodiversity Institute
• Start Date: Immediate openings available (anticipated start date: August 21, 2023)

About the Biodiversity Institute & Our Mission

The Biodiversity Institute at the University of Kansas is a leading research institution dedicated to understanding and preserving the natural world. Our software engineering and support group develops database application software for the world's biological museums to document the world's plant and animal species. We are seeking a talented student programmer to join our team and contribute to our mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop expertise with Specify software and modern science data management principles and methods
• Create and track software issues using various channels, including GitHub and Slack
• Assist with software engineering, with training and tutoring from experienced programmers
• Write technical documentation on different aspects of software use and implementation
• Participate in weekly staff meetings, surfacing issues as they arise for discussion
• Examine software issues reported by researchers and attempt to clarify or resolve them
• Convert data from older databases to newer database schemas
• Design new features or code associated with web application user interface design, security, descriptive database statistics, or API-based integrations

Essential Qualifications:

• Have experience or be motivated to learn relational data management tools, SQL scripts, and programming languages with database systems
• Be enthused about open-source software development with web apps using Linux, macOS, or Windows workstations
• Have some exposure to software development with 1 or 2 languages
• Be focused, perceptive, and attentive to detail
• Be motivated to solve problems and debug code
• Be able to communicate work issues clearly and freely
• Enjoy learning new things
• Be available to work a steady, personalized schedule on campus in Dyche Hall (Natural History Museum) between the hours of 8-5 M-F, with flexibility for rescheduling and accommodating issues outside of work when they arise

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with research computing in any science or technology field
• Junior developer level competency with 2 or more software languages, ideally including Python or TypeScript
• Familiarity with software engineering tools and methods
• Previous work with relational databases, data management, or data analysis

Career Growth Opportunities & Learning Benefits:

• Develop modern, practical data science methods and software engineering techniques
• Work on user-facing features and capabilities
• Receive personalized training from experienced programmers
• Opportunities for professional growth with new marketable software engineering skills
• Upgrade your resume with experience in biodiversity informatics and data science

Work Environment & Company Culture:

• Collaborative and supportive work environment with a team of professional software engineers, students, and museum scientists
• Flexible work schedule with 14-20 hours/week commitment during academic semesters and up to 40 hours/week during breaks
• Opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic and engaging work environment

Compensation, Perks, & Benefits:

• Competitive salary of $16.00/hr FTE .025
• Flexible work schedule
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Collaborative and supportive work environment

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your online application, cover letter, and resume. We value a great attitude and a willingness to learn above all. Don't hesitate to apply if you don't meet every single requirement. We look forward to hearing from you!

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