Scientific Programmer (Job 1442)

About the Role

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 DevSecOps-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.

Responsibilities

• 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 HTML/CSS/JavaScript to create functional, responsive, and accessible application frontends
• 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 DevSecOps-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 efficiency and promote collaboration inside IRP
• Develop and maintain all software and data documentation at the conclusion of each software development cycle and by end of task order
• Write technical reports to describe system operating characteristics

Working Conditions

• Works closely with clinical research coordinators, investigators, IT staff, and administrative teams
• Supports a mission-driven environment focused on advancing aging and biomedical research
• Participates in cross-functional initiatives to enhance research operations and data quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Health Information, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in clinical application programming or health IT systems development
• Demonstrated experience designing, coding, debugging, and implementing stand-alone, web-based, and multi-tier applications
• Proficiency with clinical data standards and protocols, specifically HL7, DICOM, and PACS
• Experience developing application frontends using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Experience developing application backends using Perl, PHP, or Ruby with variant PostgreSQL and MySQL backing SQL servers
• Proficiency with multiple vendor and open-source database engines including Oracle, Postgres, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server
• Proficiency with source code control tools, specifically Git
• Experience with configuration management tools, specifically Puppet
• Experience working within a DevSecOps-based Agile software development methodology
• Familiarity with secure coding standards including OWASP and US-CERT guidelines
• Experience in the support of laboratory sciences and familiarity with Windows, Mac OS, Linux (multiple distributions), Unix, and other real-time and mobile operating systems
• Intermediate programming and scripting skills and some familiarity with High Performance Computing (HPC) environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with application end users to plan, build, and maintain applications
• Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting clinical research IT systems within a federal government, NIH, or academic medical research environment
• Agile or DevSecOps certification (e.g., SAFe, Scrum, or equivalent)
• Data management skills and experience with hosting data repositories
• Experience designing and developing public web interfaces to scientific databanks for access by researchers and external organizations
• Strong scripting skills (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Bash)
• Familiarity with FISMA, NIST SP 800-53, and federal information security and privacy requirements applicable to clinical research systems
• Experience with FedRAMP-authorized cloud platforms and NIH STRIDES initiative services

Pay

$115,000 - $120,000 yearly salary. The final offer may vary based on skills, experience, geographic location, market conditions, and internal equity. Additional compensation may include performance incentives and program-specific awards.

Benefits

• Personal Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Supplemental life with AD&D
• Disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with matching component
• Career development training with access to an e-learning suite for formal and informal learning
• Professional and technical certification preparation
• Education assistance at accredited institutions