Job Description

Job ID: 365924

About the Job

The School of Public Health (SPH) is committed to antiracism and anti-oppression and welcomes you to join us in our pursuit of building equity and driving justice. We particularly encourage applications from those who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in our School, including those who are American Indian, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those with disabilities, veterans, and those from LGBTQIA+ communities.

We seek an outstanding Software Developer to join our research team. This position is based at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health. Led by Dr. Horacio Duarte, our team uses simulation-based modeling and decision analysis to optimize HIV treatment and prevention strategies, particularly in resource-limited settings. This Software Developer position will primarily support an NIH-funded project focused evaluating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions aimed at eliminating mother to child transmission (eMTCT) of HIV in sub-Saharan African contexts. We are looking for an individual who will lead the development of HIV modeling software that is needed to carry out the aims of this project. The Software Developer we seek will work collaboratively with Dr. Duarte, and they will also be expected to function with a high level of independence to meet deadlines for project deliverables.

Our research plan is to evaluate an eMTCT toolbox of six interventions that span the entire reproductive continuum, from preconception to postpartum: 1) access to contraception, 2) pre-exposure prophylaxis for pregnant and breastfeeding women (PBFW), 3) HIV re-testing among PBFW; 4) long-acting ART; 5) mentor mother programs, and 6) maternal viral load monitoring. We currently have a preliminary eMTCT model (coded in Matlab) that will require a significant amount of further develop to execute our project's health policy modeling goals.

The Software Developer will be expected to develop a deep understanding of the research goals, and to strategize, develop, and execute a plan for the model development/computer programming that is necessary to achieve these goals. The Software Developer will be given a high degree of independence in decision making, and they will need a high level of programming expertise to troubleshoot and solve complex technical challenges that arise in the model development process. We anticipate the research team growing, with potential members including a postdoctoral researcher and a graduate student. The Software Developer will work collaboratively with them, with the possibility of some supervisory roles and duties.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Strategize and plan necessary model development and determine the optimal coding approach to accomplish research goals (15%).
• Develop and maintain HIV model software code (30%).
• Develop and run software tests, such as unit tests, to ensure optimal functioning of the simulation-based model (15%).
• Develop and run simulations, and analyze simulation results, to answer specific health policy questions (20%).
• Use Github to manage and track changes to source code, as well as document user manuals for the model code (20%).

Flexible work arrangement options include:

• 75% - 100% time
• Remote, hybrid, or in-person

Qualifications

Required:

• BA/BS plus at least four years of work experience, or master's degree plus at least 2 years of experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Matlab, or in another programming language, such as R or Python, with motivation to learn Matlab.
• Expertise in developing computer-based simulations to model either infectious or non-infectious diseases.
• Experience using a distributed version control system, such as Github, to track code changes and manage software collaboratively.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred:

• PhD in health services research, computer science, applied mathematics, industrial engineering, or related field.
• Expertise in decision analysis and evaluating the cost-effectiveness of health interventions.
• Experience with HIV outcomes research and ideally familiarity with eMTCT-relevant interventions.

Are you excited about this job and meet the required qualifications, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every preferred qualification? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may be the right candidate for this role.

About the Department

Epidemiology and Community Health:

The Division of Epidemiology & Community Health focuses on disease and health in various populations. Our faculty and students examine the distribution, cause and prevention of diseases, and how human behavior affects overall health.

The division offers MPH, MS and PhD degrees, as well as dual and joint degrees.

Research:
The work of epidemiologists spreads across sectors and areas of study, so our division and faculty are often partnering with other research entities and community organizations on public health research and interventions. We are committed to protecting research participants, upholding ethical standards, and improving our practice at every step of our work. Research priorities or pods which encourage collaboration and innovation among our faculty and build upon the division's robust research history include the fields of Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Global health Infectious Disease, Maternal and Child Health, Healthy Weight, Social Epidemiology, Substance Abuse and Grocery Assistance Program Study for Families.

The Division's Mission:
To improve the health of the public through state-of-the art teaching, translation of research into practice, and training of the next generation of public health professionals.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $100,000 - $110,000 annually for a 100% appointment (prorated based on FTE); depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Work experience placement, Remote job, Flexible hours,

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