Research Assistant Software Developer Jobs in Springfield, VA

General Information

• Job Code: CIT-DV-04T
• Location: Client/NIH Main Campus
• Employee Type: Exempt, Full-Time Regular (Ask our recruiters about flexible work arrangements)
• Telework: None/Client Site
• Clearance: Public Trust
• Number of Openings: may have multiple openings
• Salary Range: $98,474-$113,245 (how we pay and promote)

Are you passionate about designing and developing secure, scalable software solutions that support cutting edge biomedical research and high-performance computing environments? Do you thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams where your expertise in full software development lifecycle—from analysis and design to testing and deployment—can drive innovation in public health and scientific discovery?

Ripple Effect is seeking a highly skilled Software Developer with 6+ years of experience to support our client's mission. The Software Developer will play a key role in supporting the National Library of Medicine (NLM)—a global leader in biomedical research and data science—in its efforts to accelerate biomedical discovery and improve public health through data-powered research. This role will involve full lifecycle software development in a multidisciplinary environment, contributing to the design, implementation, and maintenance of advanced biomedical applications and tools.

If this position sounds of interest, there’s a place for you here at Ripple Effect! We offer a diverse and engaging work environment, with a multitude of incentives and flexible work options that work for you and your lifestyle.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and Design Complex Systems: Conduct in-depth analysis of scientific and operational requirements to design robust, scalable, and secure software systems. Develop detailed technical specifications and architectural plans that align with NIH/NLM research objectives and infrastructure standards. Design, implement, and maintain software applications across diverse environments including Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and web-based platforms. Ensure cross-platform compatibility and performance optimization.
• Full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Participation: Engage in all phases of the SDLC—from requirements gathering and system design to coding, testing, deployment, and long-term maintenance. Apply Agile and DevSecOps methodologies to ensure iterative delivery and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative Solution Engineering: Work closely with interdisciplinary teams of researchers, data scientists, clinicians, and IT professionals to develop software that supports biomedical research, clinical data analytics, and public health initiatives.
• Performance and Usability Optimization: Refactor and enhance existing software systems to improve speed, reliability, scalability, and user experience. Implement responsive design and user-centered development practices.
• Security, Accessibility and Compliance: Ensure all software adheres to federal cybersecurity standards including FISMA and FedRAMP. Implement secure coding practices, conduct vulnerability assessments, and support the development of System Security Plans (SSPs) and Authority to Operate (ATO) documentation. Design and develop software that meets Section 508 accessibility standards and NIH/NLM usability guidelines. Conduct accessibility testing and remediation as needed.
• Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Produce comprehensive technical documentation including system architecture diagrams, API references, user manuals, and training materials. Contribute to internal knowledge bases and support onboarding of new team members.

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Diploma
• 6 years of relevant professional experience, or a combination of education and experience that is equivalent to nine years

Basic Requirements

• Experience in full lifecycle software development
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, R, and scripting languages (e.g., Bash).
• Experience with databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and ElasticSearch.
• Familiarity with development tools and environments including Jupyter Notebooks, GitHub, GitLab, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong understanding of software engineering principles, design patterns, and best practices.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Must be able and willing to work onsite multiple days per week in Bethesda, MD.

To be successful at Ripple Effect, you must be able to pay attention to details, clearly communicate, work independently, and have an eagerness to learn. Learn more about what makes Ripple so great. Check out our capabilities.

Skills That Set You Apart

• Experience in biomedical, clinical, or scientific computing domains.
• Knowledge of AI/ML frameworks and tools (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, NLP libraries).
• Familiarity with cloud-native development and container orchestration (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Strong understanding of Section 508 compliance and accessibility standards.
• Previous experience with NIH, especially NLM
• Additional Years of Experience and/or advanced degree

If you don’t have all of the skills above, don’t be discouraged—no resume paints a complete picture of a person. There’s a good chance you’re more wonderful than you think, so please apply!

About Ripple Effect

Ripple Effect is an award-winning women-owned small business providing professional consulting and exceptional talent for federal, private, and non-profit clients. We deliver multi-disciplinary solutions across Communications & Outreach, Research & Evaluation, Program Management & Policy, Digital Transformation, and Technical & Scientific Support solutions with a focus on science, research, and healthcare domains.

Hiring Process | Life at Ripple

Benefits

Ripple Effect rewards our employees for their contributions to our mission in many ways, from competitive pay and exceptional benefits to a range of work/life programs based on your employment classification and personalized preferences.

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Ripple Effect is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, political affiliation, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know by contacting our HR department at HR@rippleeffect.com or your recruiter. Eligibility for employment will be verified using E-verify.