Research Engineer

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://www.specifysoftware.org), 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.
You will be a full-time university employee with generous benefits including comprehensive health, 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 & 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.
Technologies We Use:

• Front-end: Typescript and React, Figma, Tailwind CSS, Javascript
• Back-end: Python, Django, MySQL, OpenAPI, Backbone.js
• Dev-ops: Docker, GitHub Actions, Linux

90%:

• 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 DevOps methods and software deliverables.

5%:

• 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.

5%:

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

1. High school/GED and 4 years of professional software development experience OR Associate’s degree with 3 years of professional software development experience OR Bachelor’s degree with 1 year of professional software development experience OR Master’s degree in a related field.
2. Previous experience with best-practices for software design and implementation as evidenced by Application materials.
3. Previous experience/proficiency in Python, JavaScript or TypeScript as evidenced by application materials.
4. Successful collaborative work in a team or group environment as evidenced by application materials.
5. Excellent verbal and written communications skills as evidenced by application materials and previous work.

1. Proficiency in the use of the Typescript + React framework as evidenced by application materials and previous experience.
2. Professional experience with front-end/UI development for end-user applications.
3. Competency with a variety of object-oriented and functional programming languages as evidenced by application materials and previous experience.
4. Experience with test automation, Agile development practices, CI/CD, GitHub, Virtual machines and Docker.
5. Professional experience with relational database systems, including proficiency with SQL and principles of relational database design.
6. Experience deploying and managing applications on Amazon Web Services (AWS), including use of services such as EC2, S3, and RDS.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of, or experience with, cloud management best practices on AWS, including infrastructure as code, monitoring, and cost optimization.
8. Experience working in a structured release process to deliver high-quality software to a user/client community.
9. Demonstrated knowledge of, or experience with, scientific computing in biodiversity or environmental sciences.

A complete application consists of:

• Resume including a link to a portfolio demonstrating skills (a GitHub profile alone does not count as a portfolio)
• Cover letter addressing how you meet the required qualifications
• Three professional or supervisory references

Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
It is preferred for applicants to submit a link to GitHub or other code sharing platform.
Application review begins Monday, 6/22/2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
#LI-HR1

Applications must be submitted online at employment.ku.edu. For questions about the position, you may contact Aimee Stewart at [email protected].

$70,000 – 75,000, commensurate with experience

Monday June 22, 2026

Monday July 13, 2026