Research Software Engineer I - Center for AI and Research Computing (AIRC)

The Center for AI and Research Computing (AIRC) is seeking a Research Software Engineer I to help advance AI-enabled scientific discovery at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. The Center develops, deploys, and supports the shared research software, AI platforms, and high-performance computing infrastructure used by laboratories and programs across the Institute.

Working closely with the Director of the Center, researchers, and the Information Technology department, the Research Software Engineer I designs, develops, deploys, and maintains software applications, web platforms, and research computing infrastructure that support computational and data-intensive research. The position partners directly with scientists to understand evolving research needs and translate them into scalable software solutions that accelerate discovery across neuroscience, cancer biology, plant biology, human health, and other disciplines.

Primary responsibilities include developing and maintaining internal research applications and services; implementing and supporting AI tools and workflows for scientific research; managing and enhancing high-performance computing, GPU, and data-sharing infrastructure; integrating research software with institutional systems; and improving the accessibility, usability, and performance of shared computational resources. The position also evaluates and implements emerging technologies that enhance the Institute’s research computing capabilities and collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, secure, and sustainable research software and infrastructure.

The successful candidate will combine strong software development skills with an interest in scientific collaboration, working in a dynamic environment where research priorities evolve rapidly and innovative technical solutions are essential. This role offers the opportunity to directly contribute to enabling cutting-edge research through modern software engineering, AI technologies, and advanced computing infrastructure.

Including a link to a Git Hub profile or equivalent portfolio demonstrating previous programming work is strongly recommended for full consideration. We recognize that software developed for previous employers may be proprietary and unavailable for public review; however, candidates who can demonstrate personal projects, open-source contributions, or other examples of software development beyond coursework will be viewed favorably.

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

• Design, build, and deploy internal software applications, web interfaces, and platforms that enable scientific research and the adoption of artificial intelligence across the Institute.
• Stand up and maintain self-hosted systems and services, including data-sharing platforms, web frontends, and collaboration tools, on centralized on-premise and cloud infrastructure.
• Support the administration, configuration, and integration of high-performance computing (HPC) resources, including GPU cluster and job scheduler (e.g., SLURM) transitions and workflows.
• Assist with the provisioning, configuration, and rollout of enterprise artificial intelligence tools and services (e.g., large language model platforms and APIs), and support their adoption by researchers and staff.
• Rapidly prototype, build, and iterate on small internal applications and utilities in response to evolving scientific and operational needs.
• Write well-documented, tested code and follow professional software engineering practices, including version control (Git), code review, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD).
• Integrate systems and services through APIs, authentication and single sign-on, and automation to create seamless workflows for end users.
• Collaborate with the Information Technology department and other units on infrastructure, deployment, and security.
• Work directly with scientists to understand their needs and translate them into technical…