By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Who We Are:

The Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL) is dedicated to transforming the landscape of education by pioneering innovative methods that foster competence, curiosity, and confidence among learners globally. Through Harvard Online, we aim to create engaging and scalable learning experiences, inspire groundbreaking ideas, and connect a worldwide community of learners-all while developing tools, technologies, platforms, and policies that streamline the learning process.

We are seeking an Associate Software Engineer to join our Data and Technology Team. This team addresses VPAL’s data requirements related to its online learning initiatives and Harvard’s new custom online learning experience platform. The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated experience in data pipelines, ETL processes, database management, data analytics and will excel in navigating complex, distributed environments.

How You’ll Contribute:

Reporting to the Manager of Data Engineering, the Associate Software Engineer will collaborate with other software engineers, data analysts, and work cross-functionally with marketing, finance, course development, and program support teams to enhance Harvard’s broad spectrum of online and blended learning opportunities.

The Associate Software Engineer will be joining a small, dynamic team, where the ability to communicate and collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders is essential. A demonstrated customer-service mindset is critical for success and candidates with acumen in this area will have significant opportunities for advancement. 

Responsibilities Include:

• Supporting the development of data processes, infrastructure, and analytics connected to learning platforms, CRM and e-commerce systems, ticketing systems, and marketing applications.
• Engaging in technical collaboration with other stakeholders and partners, including Harvard University IT and other university entities, to design scalable, reusable solutions and deploy reliable code.

At VPAL, your role will be to:

• Build, maintain, and modify relational and multidimensional databases, relationships, data flows, and interfaces within the data warehouse.
• Implement and expand data pipelines through efficient ETL activities.
• Develop and maintain new features and integrate applications with internal and third-party APIs.
• Build and sustain tools for deployment, monitoring, and operations.
• Follow engineering standards and practices to enhance quality and excellence within the team.
• Adhere to Harvard University IT technical standards, policies, and Code of Conduct.

Please note: This is a two-year term position with the possibility of renewal dependent upon business need and continued funding.

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

Minimum of two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Proficiency in relational database systems and/or NoSQL databases
• Knowledge of complex ETL processes and process automation
• Experience deploying software on scalable cloud platforms (e.g., GCP, AWS)
• Experience with building or maintaining APIs and services using RESTful architecture
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python and SQL
• Experience with distributed computing systems (e.g. Spark, Hadoop, PySpark)
• Proficiency with data integration and orchestration tools (e.g., Apache Airflow) and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience with building and maintaining insightful data dashboards.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Term position : This is a two-year term position with the possibility of renewal dependent upon business need and continued funding.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background screenings (Identity)
• Other Information: ​​This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
• Working Conditions: In-person work is performed in an open office setting

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Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. 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. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

About Harvard University

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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