Research Software Engineer (University Title: Faculty Specialist), Global Terrorism Database (GTD)

The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) is now hiring a Research Software Engineer (RSE) to work on the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) and related projects at the University of Maryland, College Park. This is a full-time, professional track faculty position, with an initial term of 12 months (starting in June 2022). Upon completion of this initial term, candidates may have an opportunity to renew the appointment, contingent on funding.

Responsibilities: 

The Research Software Engineer (RSE) will perform tasks related to the ongoing maintenance and advancement of the Global Terrorism Database and related research initiatives. The GTD consists of unclassified data on more than 200,000 terrorist attacks that occurred worldwide since 1970. It supports a wide range of users around the world, including government, academia, media, industry, and the general public. The RSE will contribute to the development of software, systems, tools, and methods that facilitate the production, analysis, and public dissemination of data resources. As a key member of a small team of social scientists and technologists, they must be adept at cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration in pursuit of innovative and practical solutions to research challenges. The RSE will focus on challenges across the full software development lifecycle, designing, developing, and deploying cloud-based services in a primarily Python, JavaScript, and SQL environment. The specific responsibilities of the RSE will depend on the successful candidate’s skill sets and strengths, but will support the data collection team across one or more of the following areas:

The annual salary for this position will be in the range of $75,000-$90,000, plus full University of Maryland benefits (explained at https://ter.ps/UMDBenefits). The RSE will report to the GTD Program Manager and work on site at START Headquarters adjacent to the University of Maryland, College Park campus. This position is eligible for telework up to three days per week.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and résumé via email (with subject line “Research Software Engineer”) to gtd@start.umd.edu. Applicants should also provide contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for at least one year. We are not able to sponsor a visa to work in the United States.

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. A prior criminal conviction or convictions will not automatically disqualify a finalist from employment in the position.

The University of Maryland has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University System of Maryland (USM) announced that students, faculty, and staff on USM campuses, including UMD, are required to be vaccinated against COVID. As a prospective and/or a new employee at UMD, you will be required to comply with the University’s vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at any University of Maryland location. Prospective or new employees may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement at return.umd.edu and must have an approved exemption prior to the start of their employment. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or to obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.