Principle Scientific Software Engineer | Kumar Lab

As a Principal Scientific Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in leading the development of cutting-edge machine vision software applications and systems to support research science. This position may work closely with scientists across JAX and/or external investigators. The incumbent will be at the forefront of designing, implementing, and deploying high-quality solutions. This role will also collaborate with technical team leads for daily work assignments. 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. The role in The Kumar Lab will create behavior annotation software on the Envision platform. The successful candidate will be able to work with multiple internal and external stakeholders, meet timelines, and deliver high-quality software products.

What You’ll Contribute

• 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, and 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.
• Master's or PhD preferred, in computer science or related field

• Ability and desire to work closely on a team, sharing responsibilities for code implementation, design decisions and architectural choices in a fast-paced development cycle.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills are a must. Ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Background in biological sciences, or a strong eagerness to learn and delve into these scientific domains.
• Working familiarity with technologies such as Python, JavaScript, HTML5, JSON, Java, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Flask, Go, SLURM, BASH 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.
• 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.

The salary range is $121,924 - $176,790. Salary will be 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

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.