Temporary Research Software Engineer
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Worcester, MA, USA
- Jul 01, 2026
Job Description
JOB TITLE
Temporary Research Software Engineer
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Humanities & Arts - JM
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) seeks a temporary Research Software Engineer to support the Music-induced Analgesia Genome Study (IMAGS), an interdisciplinary research project investigating the use of music and physiological sensing technologies to support chronic pain management.
The successful candidate will help transform the IMAGS software into a portable, reproducible research platform that can be readily deployed and adapted by research teams at other institutions. Working closely with faculty investigators, the Research Software Engineer will design and implement a modern deployment architecture-utilizing containerization technologies such as Docker-to simplify installation, improve long-term maintainability, and support open scientific collaboration.
This work will contribute directly to the broader dissemination of the IMAGS platform by enabling researchers to install the software with minimal technical expertise while preserving a consistent, reproducible research environment across institutions. The position is funded through a summer research grant and provides an opportunity to contribute to an innovative project at the intersection of software engineering, music technology, biomedical sensing, and digital health.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsibilities:
Design and implement a containerized deployment of the IMAGS software platform using Docker or a similar container technology.
Develop an installation workflow that enables researchers to deploy the complete IMAGS system with minimal configuration.
Package web applications, databases, and supporting services into a reproducible software environment.
Configure persistent data storage, networking, and security for research deployments.
Create installation guides, technical documentation, and developer documentation for external research teams.
Improve the portability, maintainability, and long-term sustainability of the IMAGS software architecture.
Collaborate with faculty investigators to identify software requirements and prioritize development goals.
Test deployments across multiple operating systems and computing environments.
Participate in project meetings and provide regular progress updates.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or current enrollment in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
Experience developing software in Linux environments.
Experience with Docker, containerization technologies, or virtualization platforms.
Familiarity with web application deployment and server administration.
Strong programming and software engineering skills.
Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Docker Compose, Kubernetes, or other container orchestration tools.
Experience deploying web applications using technologies such as Node.js, Python, PHP, or similar server-side frameworks.
Familiarity with databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQLite.
Experience with Git and collaborative software development workflows.
Experience creating installation scripts, CI/CD pipelines, or automated deployment systems.
Interest in open-source software, reproducible research, scientific computing, or digital health technologies.
About the IMAGS Project The Music-induced Analgesia Genome Study (IMAGS) investigates how music can be used to help individuals manage chronic pain. The project employs custom physiological sensing hardware and software to measure changes in stress levels while participants listen to music. These data are analyzed and visualized to help researchers and music therapists better understand the characteristics of music that contribute to pain relief. IMAGS seeks to develop safe, accessible, and personalized alternatives that may complement traditional approaches to chronic pain management.
As part of this project, the IMAGS software platform is being redesigned to support reproducible, open scientific research by enabling research groups around the world to easily deploy and customize the system for their own studies.
Compensation:
Hourly rate is $20.00 per hour. This is a hybrid 15 hour per week position.
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Temporary-Research-Software-Engineer_R0003515
About WPI
WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.
Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.
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A Distinctive Approach to STEM Education and Research
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), a global leader in project-based learning, is a distinctive, top-tier technological university founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems. Today, WPI recognizes the essential nature of preparing and supporting future scientists, engineers, and business leaders in their journeys to become the empathetic, collaborative, and resourceful STEM professionals the world needs now.
WPI’s award-winning, pioneering project-based and globally engaged curriculum engages students in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education—on campus and at more than 50 project centers in the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. In both academics and research, undergraduate and graduate students pursue interdisciplinary collaboration with each other, with faculty across WPI’s four schools, and with public and private partners to develop broad-scope solutions to socially relevant problems.
More than 70 PhD, master's, bachelor’s, and certificate programs are offered both on campus and online, providing flexible options and opportunities for students to advance their careers and succeed in today’s—and tomorrow’s—world.
To see additional information about our job opening(s) or to apply, click on the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of our job posting(s).
When inquiring or applying for jobs at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, please also reference AcademicCareers.com
Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs, such as professor jobs, dean jobs, and other faculty jobs and higher ed jobs with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and with other colleges and universities in the region on AcademicCareers.com
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