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Research Software Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MRI Technologies

Research Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$195K/yr

MRI Technologies has an exciting opportunity for a Research Software Engineer on the JETS II contract at NASA Johnson Space Center. You will support the Flight Sciences Laboratory (FSL), one of JSC ...

MRI Technologies

Research Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$195K/yr

MRI Technologies has an exciting opportunity for a Research Software Engineer on the JETS II contract at NASA Johnson Space Center. You will support the Flight Sciences Laboratory (FSL), one of JSC ...

MRI Technologies

Research Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$195K/yr

MRI Technologies has an exciting opportunity for a Research Software Engineer on the JETS II contract at NASA Johnson Space Center. You will support the Flight Sciences Laboratory (FSL), one of JSC ...

Amentum

Research Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$195K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a HPC Research Software Engineer at Johnson Space Center (JSC) to join the team with our Engineering Directorate supporting the Flight Sciences Laboratory (FSL)

Pae

Research Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$195K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a HPC Research Software Engineer at Johnson Space Center (JSC) to join the team with our Engineering Directorate supporting the Flight Sciences Laboratory (FSL)

Microsoft

Senior Research Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$229K/yr

The Microsoft Research Americas Engineering team supports several MSR labs (Redmond, New England, New York City, and Montreal) and seeks an innovative and experienced Senior Research Software ...

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$48K

$111.8K

$166K

How much do research software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research software developer in the United States is $111,845.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research software developer?

Research Software Developers are professionals who create, maintain, and optimize software tools and applications that support scientific research. They work closely with researchers to understand their computational needs, develop custom code, and ensure software is reliable and reproducible. These developers often bridge the gap between domain scientists and traditional software engineers, enabling innovative scientific discoveries through robust software solutions.

How do research software developers typically balance research goals with software engineering best practices?

Research Software Developers often work closely with scientists and researchers to create tools that advance specific research objectives. Balancing experimental flexibility with software reliability can be challenging, as projects may evolve rapidly and require iterative prototyping. Developers must prioritize clear documentation, modular code, and version control to ensure that software remains usable and reproducible as research progresses. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is common, and effective communication helps align technical solutions with scientific needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research software developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Software Developer, you need strong programming skills (typically in Python, C++, or Java), a solid understanding of algorithms, and often an advanced degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, high-performance computing environments, and tools for data analysis and visualization is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving ability, collaboration, and clear scientific communication are vital soft skills in this role. These capabilities are crucial for developing robust research software, enabling effective teamwork, and ensuring reproducibility and reliability in scientific investigations.

What is the difference between Research Software Developer vs Data Scientist?

AspectResearch Software DeveloperData Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science, software engineering, or related fieldsUsually holds degrees in statistics, data science, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or R&D departmentsBusiness, tech companies, or research organizations
Industry UsageUsed in scientific research, academia, and research-focused organizationsApplied in analytics, business intelligence, and data-driven decision making

Research Software Developers focus on creating software tools and algorithms for research purposes, often working closely with scientists. Data Scientists analyze and interpret complex data to inform decisions. While both roles require programming skills, their primary goals and work environments differ, making each role unique in the research and data analysis landscape.

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Research Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Software Developer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,845 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Research Software Engineer

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department
PSD Data Science: Tech Administration
About the Department
The University of Chicago Data Science Institute (DSI) is a hub for scholars, researchers, educators, and practitioners tackling the methodological, societal, and domain-specific challenges of our increasingly data-driven world. As a leader in the field, DSI drives cutting-edge research, fosters innovation in data education at all levels, and engages in meaningful partnerships with industry, government, and the broader community.
Job Summary
The Research Software Engineer (RSE) will develop software to support DSI's research priorities and specific initiatives related to data science for social good including resilient food systems, climate, and human rights. The RSE will collaborate with the software team and interdisciplinary research groups across the University of Chicago to develop new software products and build robust, scalable solutions for computational research and public impact projects.
This role involves designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software, with an emphasis on high-quality, reusable code. The ideal candidate will have experience working with substantial existing codebases, strong problem-solving skills, and a keen interest in data-driven applications, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
This position is eligible for a partial remote work arrangement.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, test, and debug complex software programs.
  • Implement and optimize algorithms for data-intensive research.
  • Deploy and maintain systems in both simulated environments and on physical hardware.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex system and software issues.
  • Execute feature requests independently, with guidance from the PI and project manager on goals and design.
  • Collaborate with team members to improve software quality, testability, and fault tolerance.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, supporting faculty, postdoctoral researchers and students in achieving their research objectives.
  • Develops, tests, debugs, and maintains new and existing application software.
  • Works independently to define and document project requirements and provides overall technical guidance in design, architecture and implementation of software solutions.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
  • Professional experience in software engineering or a related programming field.
  • Strong experience with Linux, Python, and at least one additional programming language.
  • Experience working with large, existing codebases.
  • Experience in building web applications and APIs.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure, etc.).
  • Proficiency in software development best practices, including version control (Git) and CI/CD pipelines.

Preferred Competencies
  • Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, hybrid work environment, collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and the broader UChicago community.
  • Familiarity with virtualization and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes, etc.).
  • Expertise in at least one of the following: Developing highly performant solutions to computational problems using Python; Modern frameworks for full-stack web development, including backend (Flask, Node.js), front-end (React, Angular), and/or GIS and spatial data visualization tools; Building AI solutions, including chatbots, RAG, and other LLM-based tools.
  • Interest in and experience developing software to support data-driven research.

Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (preferred)
  • References (3 contacts) (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$110,000.00 - $135,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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