Overview

The mission of the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (HNRCA) is to promote healthy aging through nutrition science to empower people seeking to enjoy long, active, and independent lives. HNRCA investigators examine how nutrition and physical activity play a role in the prevention of the major chronic degenerative conditions and diseases associated with aging. 

The HNRCA’s Scientific Computing core provides a variety of information technology services, including database development and maintenance, network access, file sharing, server backups, network and data security, laboratory information systems support, and desktop support for Windows and Macintosh clients. Technical staff provide systems analysis, programming, and technology consulting services, as well as end-user support across Windows, Macintosh, and Linux platforms. The core also works closely with principal investigators and other scientific cores to ensure the generation and maintenance of high-quality scientific data.

What You'll Do

The Programmer Analyst is responsible for the design, development, installation, implementation, modification, and support of new or existing applications software. Functions may include analyzing functional and systems requirements, developing application and database architecture and design, writing code, validating data acquisition and output media/formats, designing user interfaces, developing and maintaining websites, interactive applications, simulations, video/audio streaming, working with users to test, debug, and troubleshoot applications, assuring software and systems quality and functionality, integrating hardware and software components, writing and maintaining program documentation, evaluating new and improved software applications and programming technologies, and ensuring the rigorous application of information security/information assurance policies, principles, and practices. The Programmer Analyst will formulate and define system scope and objectives for assigned projects; manage program design, coding, testing, debugging, and documentation; prepare detailed specifications from which programs will be written; devise or modify procedures to solve problems considering computer equipment capacity and limitations, operating time, and form of desired results; incorporate advanced multimedia technology, such as graphic design, multimedia authoring, site-oriented web development, advanced publishing, digital video acquisition and production, professional media acquisition, and/or two- or three-dimensional animation and visualization.

• Design, develop, test, debug, install, implement, modify and support new or existing applications software in accordance with area standard practices
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, business analysts, and other users to analyze their requirements; determine scope and specifications; participate in project planning efforts
• Develop application and website components, features, modules and templates; this may include the development of custom interfaces, modules, and themes; independently maintain and enhance the user interface and Oracle database for an internal website
• Develop and maintain integrations; may include internal and external tools
• Configure and integrate applications with central authentication and other services as required
• Test and deploy updates and fixes before release to ensure quality
• Prepare recovery procedures, user operations manuals, and other documentation
• Provide end-user consultation, training, documentation/instructions, and guidance
• Create quality assurance reports for key stakeholders
• May conduct formal presentations on newly developed websites and applications
• Monitor applications and websites for quality standards and make adjustments as necessary; ensure University standards, accessibility requirements, coding practices, and security are being adhered to
• Maintain familiarity with installed software standards and procedures and evaluate other tools to determine the appropriate fit into application development
• Investigate application and website issues; perform root cause analysis, take corrective actions
• Communicate and escalate degradations and outages 
• Stay current with emerging technologies and maintain familiarity with installed software standards and procedures

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Four or more years’ relevant experience in a research setting
• Proficiency with HTML, C#, JavaScript/JQuery, the ASP.net Framework, IIS, C#, Crystal Reports, Oracle DDL, DML, SQL, PL/SQL, and backup and recovery
• Ability to take a proactive approach to identifying problems and issues with systems and clearly describe the steps necessary to resolve them; ability to work with technical documentation, vendor support staff, and websites to research issues and provide solutions to problems that arise
• Ability to evaluate and adapt to advances in technology in order to recommend appropriate incorporation into the operation of the computing infrastructure of the HNRCA
• Commitment to a high standard of customer service; excellent communication and problem-solving abilities; ability to work well with staff at all levels, both as a member of a team and independently, to achieve departmental and Center-wide objectives
• Strong analytic skills, multi-tasking, ability to learn quickly, and creative problem-solving required
• This position may occasionally require to work on nights and/or weekends as determined by need

Pay Range

Minimum $76,900.00, Midpoint $96,150.00, Maximum $115,400.00
 

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.