Software Scientist I

Pay Grade / Pay Range : Minimum : $68,500 - Midpoint : $89,100 (Salaried E11)

Department / Organization :   750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule :   Monday - Friday 8 : 00am to 5 : 00pm

Job Summary :   The Software Scientist I develops, maintains, and extends software components and features for a variety of products. Writes well designed, testable, and efficient software.

Additional Department Summary :   Partners with CIROH’s Science and Technology team that advances new approaches, datasets, and techniques for prediction of hydrologic conditions, implications of those conditions, and ways to mitigate the impacts across the United States. Collaborates with CIROH and NOAA scientists, practitioners, and other partners to develop, deploy, and maintain web applications in support of scientific research and operational hydrology (e.g., water resources planning, engineering design, infrastructure operations, emergency response, decision support).

Position is supported by a 5-year research project, ending in 2027. Continuation annually in this position and beyond 2027 is contingent upon availability of external funding derived from research programs and projects.

Required Minimum Qualifications :   Bachelor's degree; OR associate's degree and two (2) years of IT experience; OR high school diploma or GED and four (4) years of IT experience.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications : Due to the work location being at a federal facility and requiring access to federal research infrastructure and datasets, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, or a permanent resident, have resided within the U.S. three (3) out of the last five (5) years, and obtain security clearance from the Department of Commerce Office of Security.

Skills and Knowledge :   Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, Javascript). Familiarity with web development frameworks. Knowledge of REST API and JSON, authentication frameworks, OIDC, and version control systems (e.g., Git). Familiar with GIS and geospatial data tools and visualization techniques. Experience with web mapping libraries (Leaflet, MapLibre, OpenLayers), spatial databases (PostgreSQL / PostGIS), and GeoServer or similar open-source map services. Understanding of scientific computing principles. Experience with data discovery, metadata documentation, data processing, geospatial analysis, and scientific research. Experience working with large satellite remote sensing data sets in disparate formats and processing the data for geoscience applications. Ability to stay current, learn new concepts and techniques, and build a strategic network of stakeholders and experts.

Experience developing and deploying web-based applications for data discovery, visualization, and analysis. Experience producing open-source computer codes and software applications. Experience as an innovator and problem solver. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Experience working in collaborative teams. Experience creating informational publications, training materials, brochures, or facts sheets. Experience delivering training.

Preferred Qualifications :   Graduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or related discipline preferred.

Background Investigation Statement : Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity :  The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment / Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s poster.