Scientific Software Engineer
About The Many Brains Project
The Many Brains Project is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing cognitive and behavioral science through scalable digital assessment tools, scientific infrastructure, and open research resources. We develop and support the TestMyBrain platform, including TestMyBrain cognitive assessments, public educational and research resources, and the TestMyBrain.org TMB Digital Lab. Our work supports researchers, clinicians, educators, and organizations around the world through scientifically rigorous cognitive testing, large-scale behavioral data collection, and research collaboration.
We are mission-driven, collaborative, and deeply committed to rigorous science, long-term thinking, and meaningful real-world impact. We believe scientific infrastructure matters, and we are building tools that help advance research and improve understanding of human cognition and behavior.
About the Role
We are seeking a technically versatile and scientifically minded Scientific Software Engineer to support development and maintenance of the TestMyBrain platform and associated research infrastructure.
Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and improve backend infrastructure supporting the TestMyBrain platform and research systems
- Contribute to frontend and/or backend software development for cognitive testing applications and internal tools
- Support deployment, configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of technical infrastructure and study environments
- Build and maintain data pipelines, APIs, reporting systems, and operational tools
- Aid in database design, versioning systems, and technical documentation
- Help maintain software reliability, debugging, QA processes, and security practices
- Collaborate with researchers to implement and support cognitive assessments and research studies
- Contribute to internal workflows and automation that improve operational efficiency
- Support data integrity, system monitoring, and infrastructure scalability
- Assist with technical support for external collaborators and research partners
In Your First Year, You May
- Improve or expand backend infrastructure supporting cognitive testing and research operations
- Build or refine internal tools, APIs, analytics systems, or reporting workflows
- Support deployment and maintenance of new research studies and testing environments
- Collaborate with senior staff to improve technical infrastructure, operational workflows, and software reliability across the organization
- Help identify opportunities for new tools, automation, or infrastructure improvements aligned with your strengths and interests
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree or equivalent experience in computer science, software engineering, cognitive science, neuroscience, data science, or a related field
- Strong programming skills in JavaScript, Python, SQL, or similar languages
- Experience with backend systems, APIs, databases, and web application development
- Familiarity with cloud/server infrastructure, Unix/Linux environments, or DevOps workflows
- Experience working with scientific, behavioral, or longitudinal datasets
- Interest in applied research and scientific infrastructure
- Ability to work independently in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Nice to Have
- Experience with cognitive assessment platforms or digital health technologies
- Familiarity with psychometrics, experimental design, or behavioral research methods
- Experience with data visualization frameworks or analytics dashboards
- Knowledge of research security/privacy standards
- Experience supporting external collaborators or research partners
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: approximately $95,000–$125,000 depending on experience and technical background
- Fully remote work environment (U.S.-based; Eastern Time Zone preferred)
- 22 vacation days, 11 organization-wide holidays, 1 floating holiday, 2 paid personal days, 8 paid sick days
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching after 6 months of employment
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for full-time employees, including employer-supported dependent coverage
- Flexible and supportive remote work culture with established core collaboration hours
- Opportunities for professional growth and long-term career development
- Meaningful ownership and autonomy within a mission-driven nonprofit organization
Growth & Long-Term Opportunity
- This role is intentionally broad and interdisciplinary
- Because we are a small and collaborative organization, successful candidates often have the opportunity to shape parts of the role around their strengths and interests over time
- Potential areas of growth may include:
- - backend infrastructure and systems architecture
- - scientific programming
- - software engineering and platform development
- - data infrastructure and analytics
- - automation and operational tooling
- - product and tool development
- - research operations and infrastructure
How to Apply
Please submit:
- a cover letter describing your interest in the role and relevant experience
- and a current resume or CV
Candidates are also welcome to include links to relevant technical projects, publications, GitHub repositories, or work samples.
Applications should be sent to: employment@manybrains.net
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled.