Research Software Developer

Manager:

Research Scientist

Department:

Research

Company:

Child Mind Institute

Location:

Montreal, Canada

FT/PT & FLSA:

Full-Time, Exempt

Updated:

December 2022

Project Summary:

The Child Mind Institute and McGill University are embarking on a joint collaboration to build neuroinformatics infrastructure to facilitate the advent of data sharing in a way that respects the FAIR principles. The aim will be to make data acquisition, curation and analysis as simple as possible for patients and researchers alike. To that effect, two independent platforms, MindLogger and LORIS, are looking to create an interoperability layer to most efficiently capture and disseminate data. Both systems have unique and different strengths. Leveraging those strengths to create a more complete solution is the goal.

Position Summary:

The Research Software Developer will adapt existing software to ensure interoperability between the two platforms (LORIS and Mindlogger). Specifically, this will require a full stack understanding such that changes can be made to each platform in a way that allows for seamless interactions between the two. The developer will be responsible for collaborating proactively with both technical teams as well as scientific staff and end users to guide the platform feature integrations and optimizations. The successful candidate will have opportunities to work cross-functionally across each open-source neuroinformatics platform and learn about best practices in standardization and reproducible science in the context of a dynamic and diverse research software development community.

The role consists of designing, coding, testing, and maintaining new and existing features for a web-based data/project management software, including both front-end and back-end components such as webforms and databases. Enhancements, troubleshooting, bug resolution and documentation of new and existing code is required on an ongoing basis. This position requires working seamlessly within two distinct teams of software developers and the ability to learn and adapt rapidly in order to support a dynamic research community. The position also requires significant professional experience and technical skills to perform at the level required for the development and deployment required in a dynamic large-scale neuroinformatics project environment.

Reporting to Research Scientist, this is an exempt, full-time position located in Montreal.

The Child Mind Institute is proud to be named a Great Place to Work-Certified company! Our competitive compensation and benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), paid parental leave, dependent care, and flexible work schedules, paid parental leave, dependent care and discounted tickets and entertainment perks programs.

Responsibilities:

• Provide expertise in contributing to setting direction for the technical development of platform interoperability, working closely with remote developers and stakeholders.
• Create API endpoints; link different libraries and configuring iframes for cross platform interoperability will be the focal point of this position.
• Create specific new LORIS modules (i.e. to embed MindLogger Instrument Builder)
• Create and/or use standardized JSON to represent measures across platforms.
• As part of a team, plan, implement, deploy, document and distribute research software.
• Engage with researchers and developers to extend existing infrastructure.
• Follow team practices for code collaboration, review, testing and coordinated deployment and activities.
• Participate in meetings, make recommendations and provide solutions.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degree in computer science or related field preferred.
• PHP and Javascript (other other coding skills) experience is required
• JSON knowledge preferred
• MySQL and databasing knowledge required
• LINUX knowledge required
• Ability to use and configure web-based APIs preferred
• Experience with open web stack development including LAMP stack
• Strong record of collaborative design and development of research / scientific software including the management of research data inputs and outputs across the research data lifecycle
• Experience with open source software, production of distributed software architecture, and (optionally) high-performance computing
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Special Considerations:

Please upload your CV during the application process.

CMI is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, visitors and volunteers. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees whose positions require them to be on site to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.

The Child Mind Institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment based on race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sex stereotype, gender identity/gender expression/transgender (including whether or not you are transitioning or have transitioned) and sexual orientation; national origin (including language use restrictions and possession of a driver's license issued to persons unable to prove their presence in the United States is authorized under federal law [Vehicle Code section 12801.9]); ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information/characteristics, marital status/registered domestic partner status, age (40 and over), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation.