CDS DATA SYSTEMS & AI ENGINEER, Office of the Provost

Job Description

The CDS Data Systems, Software, and AI Engineer will serve as the technical lead on a portfolio of interdisciplinary projects spanning software engineering, data systems, and artificial intelligence. The position will guide individuals and teams in the design, development, deployment, and evaluation of (near) production-quality systems-whether software platforms, data infrastructures, or AI-powered solutions-aligned with CDS research, teaching, and operational priorities.

Working closely with CDS leadership, this role will also be responsible for selecting, scoping, and resourcing projects. The engineer will play a central role in shaping a critical technical function within a pioneering academic unit, with the potential to impact cutting-edge research, student learning experiences, and the creation of innovative artifacts that advance academic and operational excellence at BU and beyond.

This position will also serve as a key liaison with BU units involved in software, data, and AI infrastructure development, including IS&T, BU Spark! Solution Engineers, and BU SAIL. The engineer will supervise student interns and/or soft-funded research staff working on software, data, or AI engineering projects.

Specific duties include:

Development of Software, Data, and AI Infrastructures and Solutions - 50%

Lead the design and implementation of integrated software systems, scalable data infrastructures, and AI-powered applications that support faculty research and clinic-based projects. Standardize development practices across domains by ensuring code quality, data governance, security protocols, and model evaluation. Develop open and extensible artifacts such as modular software platforms, MCP-based data repositories, and AI components, including large language models and agentic AI systems. Close collaboration with technical and administrative leads is required to deliver tailored solutions that meet both experimental and operational needs. Maintain an online repository of completed projects, datasets, software tools, and AI models to ensure transparency, accessibility, and reuse.

Experiential Learning Support - 20%

Support faculty in delivering high-quality experiential learning through CDS clinics and BU Spark! practicum offerings, with projects spanning software engineering, data science, and AI development. Responsibilities include assisting in project scoping, student applicant assessment, and quality assurance across technical domains. Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior staff, student project managers, and interns working on software, data, or AI initiatives. In addition, represent CDS as the senior technical lead in meetings with both internal and external partners.

Sponsored Research Support - 20%

Collaborate with CDS faculty on sponsored research projects that require software prototypes, data pipelines, and AI systems. Support the development and deployment of pilots as well as production-ready artifacts across software, data, and AI domains. Serve as a liaison to BU departments providing computing resources or technical support, including IS&T Research Computing, the Hariri Institute's SAIL, and Medical Campus cores such as BEDAC and the Bioinformatics Core.

Technical Consultancy - 10%

Provide advisory support to faculty, students, and partners on the design and implementation of pilot projects involving software development, data engineering, and AI integration. Guide innovation efforts within CDS clinics, BU Spark! courses, and student-led initiatives, ensuring technical feasibility and alignment with best practices across all domains.

Required Skills

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computational Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics, or related technical field required. 5-8 years of relevant experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.