Staff Software Engineer, Backend, Sci-Tech, Science

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded by Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg in 2015 to help solve some of society’s toughest challenges — from eradicating disease and improving education to addressing the needs of our local communities. Our mission is to build a more inclusive, just, and healthy future for everyone.

The Team

CZI supports the science and technology that will make it possible to help scientists cure, prevent, or manage all diseases by the end of this century. While this may seem like an audacious goal, in the last 100 years, biomedical science has made tremendous strides in understanding biological systems, advancing human health, and treating disease.

Our vision is to build the future of science by advancing biomedical research and leveraging advances in AI. Over the next 10 years, we’re working to understand the mysteries of the cell, which we believe will lead to discoveries that will change medicine in the decades that follow. We’ll use emerging tools, methods, and models to make new discoveries and spur the translation of basic science into groundbreaking treatments and therapies.

CZI’s work in science includes grantmaking programs, open-source software development, and close collaboration with the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network. The CZ Biohub Network includes the San Francisco, Chicago, and New York Biohubs as well as the Chan Zuckerberg Imaging Institute. CZI also collaborates with institutional partners like the Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural & Artificial Intelligence at Harvard University. Join us in accelerating science.

The Opportunity

As the Senior Software Engineer of the Sci Tech org you would be working with a set of highly motivated and talented engineers to build cloud applications on latest technologies that scientists rely on every day in ways that enable them to draw more meaningful conclusions, or biological insights, more quickly. We are supporting scientists around the world as they develop a comprehensive reference atlas of all cells in the human body, and are developing the capacity to apply state-of-the-art methods in artificial intelligence and machine learning to solve important problems in the biomedical sciences. By making our models, quality data sets and applications, workflows, built on top of them, accessible to a diverse set of scientists, clinicians, and patient communities, we contribute to the rate at which biomedical science can understand and advance human health.

Responsibilities will span contributing to multiple CZI products over time, such as

• Virtual Cells - A platform for scientists to build, collaborate and contribute to the AI powered virtual cells which would enable scientists to explore the molecular underpinnings of human health and diseases.
• CZ CELLxGENE - A rich single-cell data platform with interfaces that enable any computational or biological expert to understand the molecular function of cells and tissues.
• CryoET Data Portal - This is a web-based interface to a global repository of cryo-electron-tomography data for fostering imaging research

What You'll Do

• Model complex problems and architect large-scale distributed systems.
• Design stable and performant APIs for both internal and client-facing products.
• Work with Product Managers, AI researchers & Scientists to help shape the long-term vision of our technology and products.
• Continually look for ways to improve the SciTech product’s architecture, whether through direct changes or building tools, components, etc.
• Promote engineering excellence through technical leadership, knowledge-sharing, and mentorship

What You'll Bring

• 6+ years of relevant coding experience
• 3+ years of expertise designing, building, and scaling distributed systems and big data applications across Data and AI/ML space.
• BS or MS degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline or equivalent experience
• Experience working with public cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Microsoft Azure, etc.).
• Development experience with relational and non-relational databases.
• Development experience with streaming technologies.
• Expert knowledge of computer science, with strong competencies in data structures, algorithms, and software design.
• Great communication skills and can work seamlessly with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Skills to be comfortable with ambiguity and are adept at using organizational goals to turn that ambiguity into clear deliverables.

Compensation

The Redwood City, CA base pay range for this role is $190,000 - $285,000. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. Pay ranges outside Redwood City are adjusted based on cost of labor in each respective geographical market. Your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your location during the hiring process.

Benefits for the Whole You

We’re thankful to have an incredible team behind our work. To honor their commitment, we offer a wide range of benefits to support the people who make all we do possible.

• CZI provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
• Annual benefit for employees that can be used most meaningfully for them and their families, such as housing, student loan repayment, childcare, commuter costs, or other life needs.
• CZI Life of Service Gifts are awarded to employees to “live the mission” and support the causes closest to them.
• Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice.
• Funding for select family-forming benefits.
• Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving to the Bay Area
• And more!

Commitment to Diversity

We believe that the strongest teams and best thinking are defined by the diversity of voices at the table. We are committed to fair treatment and equal access to opportunity for all CZI team members and to maintaining a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Learn about our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.

Explore our work modes, benefits, and interview process at www.chanzuckerberg.com/careers.

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