How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration. Please submit both a resume and cover letter as a single PDF. In your cover letter, describe your interest in the position, how your skills align with IRIS's mission, and any relevant project or research experience. 

Apply here: https://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/apply/262484

Job Summary

The Institute for Research on Innovation & Science (IRIS) (https://iris.isr.umich.edu/) is looking for an experienced developer to join our technical team. IRIS is a national consortium of universities building data tools to better understand the impact of research and higher education on the economy and society. Reporting directly to the lead developer, you'll build engaging, interactive web applications using modern JavaScript frameworks (React preferred), improve data pipelines with Python and SQL, and develop performant backend APIs using FastAPI. You'll collaborate with data scientists and researchers, using GitHub for collaborative software development, version control, and code review. 

You will focus on full-stack development, with additional opportunities to collaborate directly with data analysts and researchers on complex analytical datasets and statistical methods. We're looking for someone enthusiastic about growth and new ideas and contributing to our modernization plans.

Responsibilities

You will: 

• Develop and enhance data-driven applications and reports, creating interactive and user-friendly visualizations using JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React), Tableau, and backend APIs, with an emphasis on performance optimization and scalability. (40%) 
• Support database and data analysis by collaborating with researchers and other data users to construct and validate complex analytic datasets using SQL and Python (20%) 
• Maintain and update existing data visualization tools and dashboards, incorporating innovative approaches to data representation, including micro-visualizations for our front facing website. (20%)
• Maintain and enhance the IRIS member portal, improving existing functionalities and adding new features. (10%) 
• Provide backup coverage and support for the Lead Developer, including occasional system oversight and troubleshooting (10%)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, a related field or equivalent experience 
• 3+ years professional programming experience, emphasizing web application development and database-driven systems 
• Demonstrated proficiency in front-end development using JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React), and experience building backend APIs using Python frameworks such as FastAPI. 
• Proficiency in database development and data manipulation using Python and SQL, with proven ability to prepare complex datasets for analytical purposes. 
• Familiarity with statistical or computational research methods such as regression or machine learning, and experience supporting teams that use them 
• Proficiency using GitHub or similar version control tools for collaborative development.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) environments. 
• Experience optimizing applications for performance, scalability, and reliability. 
• Previous experience working in a research or higher education environment. 
• Experience developing APIs or working within a modern API-driven architecture.

Work Locations

Ann Arbor, MI. IRIS offers an optional flexible hybrid work schedule with supervisor approval (2 days in the office, 3 days at home).

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Benefits at the University of Michigan 

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include: 

• Generous time off 
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting 
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance 
• Life insurance 
• Long-term disability coverage 
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Application Deadline

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Posting Begin/End Date: 4/21/2025 - 5/05/2025.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.