Digital Library Software Engineer

Position Description

This is a fully benefited, full-time Harvard University position that has been funded for two-year through 12/31/25. There is the possibility of renewal, contingent on funding, university priorities and satisfactory job performance.

Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is a community of Information Technology professionals committed to delivering service and technological solutions in support of teaching, learning, research and administration. We are recruiting an IT workforce that has both breadth in their ability to collaborate and innovate across disciplines - and depth in specific areas of expertise. HUIT offers opportunities for IT professionals to learn and work in a unique technology landscape and service-focused environment. If you are a technically proficient, nimble, user-focused, and accountable IT professional who also connects with the importance of collaborating well in a team environment, we are looking for you!

The Library Technology Services team at Harvard University is seeking an experienced and motivated Digital Library Software Engineer (DLSE) to support the development of the next-generation Digital Repository Service (DRS) and its integration in the current software ecosystem related to the DRS Features Project Charter.

The DLSE will collaborate with cross-functional teams across all phases of software projects including requirements analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. They will provide experienced leadership in the design and development of comprehensive, innovative, and integrated solutions.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)*

• Collaborate with the project team and other engineering and operations teams to design and build highly scalable, secure, and reliable software for exchanging and transforming large. and complex data sets between internal applications
• Participate fully in software development life cycle including researching and proposing technical solutions that meet functional requirements to deliver business requirements
• Write well-designed, efficient, scalable code
• Maintain code and API documentation
• Actively participate in application design, implementation and deployment
• Re-engineer legacy applications to meet current quality standards
• Design and write REST APIs for new and legacy applications
• Integrate automated testing and documentation in the coding effort
• Assist team in all relevant activities leading up to the new DRS launch and switch-over from the old system
• Identify opportunities to improve and simplify applications portfolio and implement related enhancements
• Contribute to creation and maturing of software development best practices and new technologies
• Draw on relationship and technical skills to act as technical liaison to internal and external clients and to mentor junior staff
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies and Code of ConductBasic Qualifications
• Minimum of five years' post-secondary education or relevant work experienceAdditional Qualifications and Skills

The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.

• Proven work experience with complex, highly asynchronous software architectures, and with complex, mission-critical, and high-volume applications
• Familiarity with the Flask, WSGI, and Celery frameworks at scale
• Experience with;
  • or interest in community-supported, open source software
  • CI/CD pipelines
  • Java (to migrate legacy applications from Java to Python)
• Strong Python and Docker experience
• Knowledge of REST API principles
• Excellent team play and communication skillsCertificates and Licenses
• Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferredWorking Conditions
• Work is performed in an office setting.Additional Information

Please provide a cover letter with your application.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
• This position has a 180-day orientation and review period.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Accessibility: Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request an accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.Work Format Details HUIT actively supports hybrid and remote work where business needs allow. This position is hybrid, partially onsite. If hybrid or remote work is approved, additional travel to campus may be necessary based on business needs and the nature of work. Examples include bi-annual or quarterly Town Halls, critical business meetings or other work events. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

More about HUIT: Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is responsible for the strategy, planning, and delivery of information technology across the University. Our mission is to assure Harvard's leadership in IT. We strive to make it easier for faculty, students, and staff to teach, research, learn and work through the effective use of information technology. HUIT's core values are User Focused, Collaborative, Innovative and Open.

HUIT's core values are:

• User-focused
• Collaborative
• Innovative
• Open

IT Academy (designed for IT Staff): HUIT's IT Academy aims to enable each IT staff person to grow professionally and become a trusted partner to her or his team. The IT Academy is built on the belief that every IT staff member across the University (including technology employees at each school and campus) can grow in her or his area of expertise as well as building strong people and project management skills. Learn more here: https://itacademy.harvard.eduBenefits We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.Job Function Information Technology

Department Office Location USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code I0758P Applications Professional IV

Work Format Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit *

Salary Grade 058

Department Library Technology Services

Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status Full-time

Appointment End Date 30-Dec-2025

Pre-Employment Screening Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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