Position Focus:

Map of Life (MOL) and the Max Planck – Yale Center for Biodiversity Movement and Global Change (MPYC) are seeking a Software Engineer who is interested developing new technologies to support effective global biodiversity education, monitoring, research and decision-making by assembling and integrating a wide range of knowledge about species distributions and their dynamics over time. Built on a scalable web platform geared for large biodiversity and environmental data, MOL provides best-possible species distribution information together with a range of information and biodiversity indicator products. MOL leads the data integration and mapping efforts of the Half-Earth Project that aims to identify and prioritize target areas for global biodiversity conservation.

Responsibilities and tasks will include:

• Developing responsive web applications using HTML5 and CSS3 on modern JavaScript frameworks and Python, documenting through GitHub and workflow optimization, working in Unix-based systems.
• Supporting and building backend API services.
• Supporting and building frontend interfaces with frameworks like Angular, React, etc.
• Receiving and providing feedback on code, incorporating user feedback directly into products.
• Assessing and meeting technical and stakeholder needs.
• Conducting written and oral presentations that summarize the analysis of data, interpret findings, and provide conclusions and recommendations.
• Solving problems in an organized and logical manner.

The Max Planck Yale Center supports research and training around the use of new technologies such as GPS tracking and remote sensing to address questions in ecology, behavior, and global change. Flagship Center projects include the Icarus initiative, a space station-based near-global GPS animal movement observation system, Movebank, which supports the management and integration of movement data, and Map of Life.

Essential Duties

1. Develops programs or systems of small to moderate size and complexity. Modifies existing systems at all levels of difficulty.
2. Provides informational input into decisions concerning the development and delivery of applications, programs and systems. Defines and analyzes requirements to meet the expectations of stakeholders and intended end user needs, scheduled timeline, and budgetary targets.
3. Analyzes, defines and designs new systems and applications. Writes code in support of business solutions.
4. Responsible for the creation, definition, communication, and management of project plans which includes architectural design, technology selection and methodologies to apply.
5. Troubleshoots problems and provide ongoing maintenance and support for applications and systems.
6. Prepares documentation, user manuals and develops formal proposals for new systems and modifications to existing systems. Mentors technical staff and provide training for end users.
7. Contributes in the development of policies or modifications to exiting policies.
8. Applies and keeps current with existing and emerging technologies and methodologies. Provides ongoing input to the establishment of programming standards, procedures, and methodologies.
9. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in a related field and two years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Proficient in web fundamentals including HTML, CSS, and Javascript and Python.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Proven understanding of web technologies, data structures, system design.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Well-developed written and oral communication skills with the ability to conduct written and oral presentations.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Ability to function effectively independently and as part of a team working in a collaborative environment, receiving and providing feedback. 

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Excellent analytical skills with a good problem-solving attitude.

Drug Screen
No

Health Screening
No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. Please visit www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

Affirmative Action Statement:

Yale University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, at TitleIX@yale.edu, or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 8th Floor, Five Post Office Square, Boston MA 02109-3921. Telephone: 617.289.0111, Fax: 617.289.0150, TDD: 800.877.8339, or Email: ocr.boston@ed.gov.

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus