Senior Research Software Developer

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Position Summary:

CBRAIN is a flexible Ruby on Rails framework for accessing and processing large amounts of data across a distributed network of High Performance Computing (HPC) and Cloud Computing infrastructures. In production since 2009, CBRAIN is an open source, web-based, collaborative research software platform designed to address major challenges in big-data research, allowing scientists to launch large-scale data analyses using advanced scientific tools though an easy to use interface. More information about CBRAIN can be found at https://cbrain.ca and https://github.com/aces/cbrain.

Reporting to the Director, Operations and Development the incumbent will be leading the continuing evolution and advancement of the CBRAIN architecture design, technical development and implementation of the distributed computing research software platform.

Primary Responsibilities:

As a key member of the CBRAIN development team, the incumbent’s main responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participate in shaping the strategic direction of the CBRAIN platform, including the platform’s web-based portal, with a focus on user experience, system design and sustainable architecture.

• Participate in high-level platform design discussions and team processes

• Improve and maintain front-end user interfaces and components to support intuitive navigation and researcher workflows.

• Provide expertise in defining UX requirements, platform behaviors, and information flow, including data handling, database storage and data processing and so as to establish system specifications for existing and future CBRAIN features.

• Implement new features according to functional specifications and user requirements.

• Troubleshoot, maintain and upgrade the CBRAIN application stack, servers and related services to ensure platform reliability and performance.

• Define and support the full software development life cycle for CBRAIN and its components, including feature planning, code development, testing, deployment and documentation.

• Follow established best practices and work closely with the development team members and the development teams of connected software services.

• Provide guidance and training to junior developers, collaborators and external contributors about the CBRAIN system, its development workflows and open source foundational components.

• Evaluate new releases off the CBRAIN platform and its developments, perform security and performance audits, and recommend and implement improvements.

• Code, test, review, debug and deploy updates to the CBRAIN platform. Lead and participate in code reviews and maintain clearer, up-to-date technical documentation

• Develop and maintain test suites.

• Lead and assist with incident response to user-reported issues and operational notifications so as to maintain smooth system functionality.

• Contribute to policies, specifications and practices that shape the long-term direction of CBRAIN and ensure compliance with governance and cybersecurity requirements.

• Conduct meetings with stakeholders, present proposed solutions and provide clear recommendations to CBRAIN leadership to support decision making.

• Foster a collaborative environment that supports efficient and sustainable development practices across the CBRAIN team.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Bachelor's degree or 3-year post-secondary program with a concentration in computer science or related computer technology.

• Five (5) years of related experience.

• Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with web development with Ruby on Rails.

• Experience with HTML, JavaScript and CSS;

• Strong understanding of the Linux operating system and development in a Linux environment including strong knowledge of socket programming, file systems, processes and secure shell (ssh).

• Strong programming skills and understanding of modern languages.

• Experience with relational database systems (SQL).

• Experience with version control systems (e.g. git) and team-based development methodologies.

• Experience with container technologies (Apptainer, Docker).

• Experience with object storage technologies (S3).

• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to rapidly changing technologies. 

• Experience of working in a team-based development environment.

• Service-oriented approach and a proven ability to solve problems.

• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills.

• Able to effectively prioritize a wide range of responsibilities, managing multiple projects simultaneously and work well under pressure.

• Able to demonstrate a high level of professionalism. 

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and French.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact and successfully communicate with team members.

• Experience in User Interface (UI) design including development and use of standard components and style guides is an asset

• Experience in Pythonis an asset

• Experience with high-performance computing and cloud computing (HPC, Cloudis an asset

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 08) $100,980.00 - $126,230.00 - $151,480.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-IST3R - Research Software Development - Senior Professional/Manager

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Dir Ops & Devl NeuroHub

Position End Date (If applicable):

2027-05-17

Deadline to Apply:

2026-04-27

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].