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 www.jax.org.
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.
Skills Required
- 10-15 years of professional experience
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science or bioinformatics
- Significant experience in scientific research software development
- Ability to collaborate closely with teams on code implementation, design decisions, and architecture
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Background in biological sciences or strong willingness to learn biological science domains
- Working familiarity with Python, JavaScript, HTML5, JSON, Java, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Flask, Go, SLURM, Bash, and web services
- Expertise in web and user interface design and development
- Extensive knowledge of software engineering methodologies, technologies, and scientific applications, particularly genomics and bioinformatics
- Experience evaluating and deploying infrastructure improvements, including project tracking, source repository integration, and automated build and deployment systems
- Ability to mentor scientific software engineers and provide technical leadership
- Ability to work in a fast-paced agile environment and manage timelines with minimal supervision
The Jackson Laboratory Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The Jackson Laboratory and has not been reviewed or approved by The Jackson Laboratory.
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Retirement Support — Retirement contributions up to 10% and employer‑paid life and disability insurance indicate robust long‑term financial support. The retirement program is positioned as a standout element of the total package.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, fertility benefits, FSAs, EAP access, and onsite fitness centers point to strong healthcare support. These offerings contribute to a well‑rounded, reliable benefits foundation.
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Pay Growth & Progression — Entry‑level operations roles advertise site‑specific starting pay with regularly scheduled increases. Publicly posted entry rates and promised regular increases can help satisfaction early on.
The Jackson Laboratory Insights
What We Do
Cancer. Diabetes. Alzheimer’s. Heart Disease. Parkinson’s. The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) leads the search to cure diseases rooted in our DNA. Founded in 1929, we are an NCI-designated Cancer Center since 1983 and an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit research organization with over 90 years of experience in genetics and genomics research. JAX blends the brightest minds with state-of-the-art resources to accelerate discovery. Areas of Discovery (75+ Principal Investigators, >250 Ph.D.s, M.D.s, and D.V.M.s): • Cancer: We are a National Cancer Institute designated Cancer Center focusing on cancer initiation, progression, prevention and therapies. • Developmental/reproductive biology: birth defects, Down syndrome, osteoporosis, fertility • Immunology: HIV-AIDS, anemia, autoimmunity, cancer immunology, immune disorders, lupus, transplant rejection • Metabolic diseases: atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, microbiome • Neurobiology: blindness, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, deafness, epilepsy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, neurodegenerative diseases • Neurobehavioral disorders: autism, addiction, depression Supporting Global Research: • The JAX Mouse Repository and Scientific Services are among the premier resources available for biomedical research. Committed to Education: • Summer Student Program (undergrad & high school) • Teaching the Genome Generation Short Course • Ph.D. programs: U. Maine, Tufts University and U. Connecticut • Courses, Conferences and Workshops
