Scientific Programmer

DLH delivers improved health and national security readiness solutions for federal programs through science research and development, systems engineering and integration, and digital transformation. Our experts in public health, performance evaluation, and health operations solve the complex problems faced by civilian and military customers alike by leveraging advanced tools – including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud enablement, modeling, and simulation, and more.

DLH is dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion” and brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to innovation to improve the lives of millions.

The Scientific Programmer supports the National Institute on Aging (NIA) IT Division by developing custom applications, systems, and unique technologies that are critical in the performance of scientific research. Operating within a Dev Sec Ops -based Agile development methodology, the Scientific Programmer works closely with clinicians, research technicians, scientists, and vendors to deliver robust, secure, and compliant software solutions that support clinical data collection, management, and integration across NIA IRP sites.

This position requires deep expertise in clinical data standards, including HL7, DICOM, and PACS protocols, as well as proficiency across multiple database platforms and programming languages. The Scientific Programmer plays a critical role in ensuring that clinical IT systems support the continuity, integrity, and security of NIA's research operations.

• Design, code, debug, and implement stand‑alone, web‑based, and multi‑tier computer applications for the benefit of the Intramural Research Program (IRP), NIA
• Utilize Perl, PHP, and variant (PostgreSQL and MySQL) backing SQL servers to create robust application backends
• Utilize HL7, DICOM, and PACS protocols in the development and support of clinical applications and systems
• Utilize source code control tools (Git) and related technologies to aid in the development and documentation of applications over time
• Use multiple vendor and open‑source database engines including Oracle, Postgres, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server

• Perform all development activities within a Dev Sec Ops ‑based methodology with a focus on iterative deployment cycles of limited functionality
• Establish a requirements engineering process that ensures all IT and non‑IT requirements are captured, managed, and verified in accordance with industry standards and best practices
• Follow secure coding best practice requirements as directed by United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US‑CERT) specified standards and the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) to limit system software vulnerability exploits

• Support the diverse and intensive needs of the NIA IRP NCTS division and all laboratory programs and core facilities throughout NIA
• Learn, document, and support the technical functions of all NIA IRP laboratories
• Inventory and document all existing scientific computation devices
• Assist scientists and vendors in the initial deployment, configuration, and ongoing support of existing scientific computation devices
• Support the configuration of scientific applications running on scientific computation devices
• Assist clinicians, technicians, and vendors in the initial deployment, configuration, and ongoing support of existing clinical IT systems

• Interact with application end users to plan, build, and maintain applications
• Provide independent maintenance of accomplished programs used by IRP
• Provide independent design of new projects including writing and maintaining software applications as required by IRP
• Manage and maintain configuration management tools (Puppet) to support the networked infrastructure at IRP, promoting security best practices and applicable government standards and policies
• Organize periodic trainings and strategic planning meetings amongst developer colleagues to improve…