Pro Tem Software DeveloperResearch Scientist

Department : Institute of Ecology & Evolution

Rank : Research Scientist

Annual Basis : 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

November 17 2025; position open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants

With your online application please upload :

1. A brief cover letter (no more than 1 page) summarizing your scientific / professional background

2. A detailed academic or professional CV

You will also be asked to enter names and contact information for three professional references.

Department Summary

The Institute of Ecology and Evolution (IE²) facilitates research and graduate education in ecology and evolutionary biology. The institute fosters a collegial and stimulating intellectual environment for world-class research in molecular evolution evolutionary genetics evolution of development and microbial population community and ecosystems ecology.

Position Summary

We seek qualified applicants for a Software Developer / Research Scientist to join the lab group of Dr. Stilianos Louca in the Institute of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Oregon. Our lab is broadly interested in quantitative aspects of microbial ecology and evolution and their interaction with Earth-system processes. Our work includes large-scale bioinformatics analyses of microbial DNA sequences mathematical modeling of microbial communities and biogeochemical cycles advancing macroevolution theory and development of new scientific software. While our lab also performs experiments and field surveys this advertised position focuses on computational tasks.

We are looking for an experienced software developer who will lead or assist with the development of scientific software and data analysis workflows for our projects. One example task is the development of automated workflows for downloading managing visualizing and locally querying data from public sources such as NCBI NASA or NOAA via their APIs such that these data can be incorporated into our analysis workflows using a unified interface. Another example task is the installation configuration and testing of a global ocean general circulation model code (such as MITgcm) on our local machines such that it can be integrated into our analyses of global microbial dispersal.

The candidate will need to interact closely with their supervisor (Dr. Louca) and be able to translate rough and sometimes abstract given goals into concrete computer code preferably in Python C or bash as some isolated cases the candidate may need to use other programming languages such as R or Fortran for example to perform minor modifications of 3rd party code. The candidate will generally strive to write robust code that can deal with the erroneous or gappy input data and exceptions often encountered in science and maximizes longevity by limiting dependencies to well-established addition the candidate will be expected to thoroughly document their computer code using embedded comments and README files to prepare technical reports and user manuals and to write up related methods sections for scientific papers. While the ability to develop novel scientific hypotheses and to spearhead scientific articles is of benefit this is not an important aspect of this position.

The candidate is expected to meet objectives and deadlines and produce work of high quality. Provided that performance is satisfactory the candidate will have great flexibility in scheduling their daily work hours. Work-from-home and remote work arrangements will be possible. The Institute of Ecology and Evolution and the Department of Biology provide a vibrant environment for collaboration networking and continuing education through seminars journal clubs and social events.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelors degree in computer science physics bioinformatics applied mathematics or related field.

Three years of experience in scientific computer programming including proficiency in Python and experience in a compiled language such as C or Fortran.

Professional Competencies

Ability to translate scientific goals and abstract instructions into robust and practical computer code.

Ability to set and meet realistic deadlines.

Ability to work and troubleshoot independently.

Ability to explore and understand related scientific literature in order to solve technical problems.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in data analysis.

Experience in numerical simulations of mathematical models (for example differential equations ocean circulation models etc).

Unix and Mac administration experience.

Experience in machine learning.

Experience in C bash R and / or Fortran.

Experience in bioinformatics such as genomics or metagenomics.

Experience writing technical reports software user manuals scientific articles or similar.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees including health insurance retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process please email us or call .

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color religion national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity gender expression pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions) age physical or mental disability genetic information (including family medical history) ancestry familial status citizenship service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law) veteran status expunged juvenile record and / or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs activities and employment practices as required by Title IX other applicable laws and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information related policies and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.

Key Skills

Laboratory Experience,Machine Learning,Python,AI,Bioinformatics,C / C++,R,Biochemistry,Research Experience,Natural Language Processing,Deep Learning,Molecular Biology

Employment Type : Temp

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1