The University of Kansas

Job Title

Specify Software Developer

Department

Biodiversity Institute

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Job Description

90%

• With vision and insight, 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, you will envision design options and prioritize software innovation for generality, flexibility, extensibility, and scalability. You will 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.

Req ID (Ex: 10567BR)

30942BR

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

FLSA Status

Administrative

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding

Contact Information to Applicants

Caroline Denis

caroline.denis@ku.edu

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree with 1 year of professional software development experience OR an Associate's degree with 3 years of professional software development experience OR a High School Diploma/GED and 5 years of professional software development experience.
2. Previous experience with best-practices for software design and implementation.
3. Previous experience/proficiency in Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Backbone.js.
4. Evidence of successful collaborative work in a team or group environment.
5. Excellent oral and written communications skills as evidenced by application materials, previous work experience and interview.

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Advertised Salary Range

$70,000.00 - $80,000.00 Commensurate with Experience

FTE

1.0

Preferred Qualifications

1. Mastery of the Typescript + React framework.
2. Professional experience with front-end/UI development for end-user applications.
3. Competency with a variety of object-oriented and functional programming languages.
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 working in a structured release process to deliver high-quality software to a user/client community.
7. Familiarity with scientific computing in biodiversity or environmental sciences.

Position Overview

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.

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

The work location for this assignment is yet to be determined. Remote, on-site and hybrid are all options.

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 and Delaware. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

Reg/Temp

Regular

Application Review Begins

08-Aug-2025

Anticipated Start Date

29-Aug-2025

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application consists of:

• Completion of the online application
• Resume including a link to portfolio demonstrating skills
• Cover letter addressing how you meet the required qualifications
• Three professional or supervisory references
• Preferred: link to GitHub or other code sharing platform

Incomplete applications cannot be considered.

Application deadline is August 7, 2025.

Job Family

Information Technology-KUL

Work Location Assignment

Telework

Read Full Description