Software Developer I, Data Visualization

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) is an independent research center at the University of Washington. Its mission is to deliver to the world timely, relevant, and scientifically valid evidence to improve health policy and practice. IHME carries out its mission through a range of projects within different research areas including the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors; Future Health Scenarios; Cost Effectiveness and Efficiency; Resource Tracking; and Impact Evaluations. Our vision is to provide policymakers, donors, and researchers with the highest-quality quantitative evidence base so all people live long lives in full health.

IHME is committed to providing the evidence base necessary to help solve the world’s most important health problems. This requires creativity and innovation, which are cultivated by an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment that respects and appreciates differences, embraces collaboration, and invites the voices of all IHME team members.

IHME has an outstanding opportunity for a Software Developer I on the Data Visualization Team.

About the team

The Global Impact Group (GIG) serves IHME’s vision of all people living long lives in full health through innovative communication and collaboration. GIG runs campaigns to amplify awareness of the most critical health challenges and works with scientists and decision-makers to strengthen the evidence base of research and to take informed action. Within GIG, the Data Visualization team produces timely and relevant visualizations to amplify research findings.

About the role

The Data Visualization Team is looking for a developer who possesses solid knowledge of visualization tool creation from front- and back-end software to lead development of IHME’s complex data visualization tools. This position requires knowledge of the hands-on aspects of web interface engineering, an ability to design and build solid front-end architecture and integrate it with a database layer, and the skills to communicate these solutions to other members of the team both verbally and in written documentation.

IHME’s ability to deliver high-quality and professional web-based tools impacts global health decision-making. The high-level visualization tools are key to the clear representation and ultimate data impact of our complex research in the analysis of global health. This position is contingent upon project funding availability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Web application development and maintenance

• Contribute to the development of new web applications and extend functionality of existing data visualizations and tools.
• Contribute to building reusable code and libraries for future use and refactor existing code to improve maintainability, readability, testability, etc.
• Follow software development best practices (e.g., source control, documentation, writing tests,?etc.).
• Provide timely and comprehensive user support via investigation and bug resolution.
• Actively participate in code review with fellow staff.

Planning and research learning

• Become familiar with the components of IHME data tools and their purpose.
• Continually seek new knowledge and collaborate with?other staff to gain a better understanding of application components?and?computational?methodology.
• Test, implement, and support development methods as appropriate.

General

• Communicate clearly and effectively while contributing as a productive member of the Technology team and the Institute as a whole.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, statistics, or related field and two years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education/experience.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of data visualization accessibility issues for users with disabilities; familiarity with accessibility standards and best practices; experience testing for accessibility; and demonstrated ability to design content/applications with accessibility considerations.
• Experience with technologies including JavaScript, SQL, HTML, CSS, React, D3.js, and Node.js.
• Experience using Unix/Linux command line and CLI tools.
• Experience with source code management tools such as Git.
• Experience implementing Web UIs from conceptual designs.
• Experience querying and manipulating data and structures in an RDBMS such as MySQL.
• Strong sense of focus and attention to detail.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including a strong team ethic.
• A commitment to working to alongside others at IHME to illuminate the health impacts of systemic racism and to work within IHME to make our organization more diverse and inclusive. See IHME’s DEI statement here: http://www.healthdata.org/get-involved/careers/dei

DESIRED:

• Experience in visualizing and communicating complex datasets.
• Understanding of data visualization principles, user experience, and aesthetics.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.
• Experience with unit testing, continuous integration, and CI tools such as Jenkins.
• Experience with application containerization using tools such as Docker, Rancher, and Kubernetes.
• Experience consuming and implementing Web APIs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Weekend and evening work is sometimes required.
• This position is open to anyone authorized to work in the US. The UW is not able to sponsor visas for staff positions.
• Office is located in Seattle, Washington. This position is eligible to work fully remote within the United States; work schedule will be determined by supervisor and department needs.

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.