Research Engineer

Position Overview

We are searching for a software engineer to help us document the diversity of life on Earth. The ideal candidate values meaningful work contributing to a global mission that builds on 350 years of Earth exploration and biological inventory to identify and describe the world's plant and animal species. The person enjoys solving problems, innovating software solutions, learning new technologies, and sharing insight and expertise.

Fuel your passion on your career path, help us document the natural world, and enjoy a collegial and welcoming work environment. You will be a valued colleague on our enthusiastic, competent, and collaborative team.

Biological specimens of plants and animals document the distribution of life on the planet. Our group supports biodiversity scientists in research centers around the world with software that manages and publishes information about the specimens of preserved plants and animals in their collections. Our open‑source Specify platform is used by 173 museum institutions in 27 countries.

“The Specify Collections Consortium” (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) is a global, non‑profit, biological museum organization, legally organized under the University of Kansas. The Consortium is headquartered in the Biodiversity Institute on the bucolic campus of the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS.

As a full‑time university employee, you will receive generous benefits including comprehensive health coverage, retirement, 22 paid vacation days per year, and several paid holidays.
We offer the option for in‑office, remote, or hybrid work on a flexible 40‑hour schedule.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states:
California, Delaware, Idaho, and Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

We are unable to provide immigration sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be eligible to work in the US.

• Front‑end:
  Typescript and React, Figma, Tailwind CSS, Java Script
• Back‑end:
  Python, Django, MySQL, OpenAPI, Backbone.js
• Dev‑ops:
  Docker, Git Hub Actions, Linux

• Contribute significantly to creating and extending the Specify 7 web platform by applying software engineering best practice methods for design, coding, documentation and automated testing, to create great software with immediate global impact.
• Play a central role in producing sustainable technology for the Specify Consortium, envision design options and prioritize software innovation for generality, flexibility, extensibility, and scalability. Champion solutions with a deep understanding of requirements acquired from interaction with project stakeholders, including team members, advisory committees, and especially from Specify software users.
• Analyze and influence platform architecture decisions, security and standards options, assess alternative implementation strategies and component classifications for software modules, and contribute enhancements to Specify tools and development processes for continuous improvement of our Dev Ops methods and software deliverables.

• Engage with collections scientists and technologists at Specify members institutions to discuss software issues remotely, or occasionally on‑site at member museums, or at national and international conferences.

• Mentor talented and highly‑motivated undergraduate computer science developers, working with them to leverage their passion and enthusiasm for software engineering.