Associate Software Engineer - LIMS

Location: San Diego, CA

The Keck School of Medicine - Alzheimer Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI), located in San Diego, California, is an academic institute comprised of an expert group of scientific collaborators committed to advancing the development of new treatments for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) through innovative clinical trials.

ATRI is looking for an Associate Software Engineer to support the Biorepository and Biomarker Laboratory Information Management System (ATRI LIMS) and develop software applications based on design specifications.


Position Summary

The Associate Software Engineer for ATRI LIMS is responsible for designing and implementing solutions that optimize laboratory workflows, ensure data integrity, and maintain regulatory compliance. This role combines software development expertise with hands-on experience in building and supporting ATRI LIMS, an internally developed Laboratory Information Management System. The engineer works closely with the Biomarker Department, Data Management, and Informatics teams to deliver secure, scalable, and high-quality applications. Leveraging modern technologies-including AI tools-and integrating Clinical Trial EDC systems, the position enhances functionality, efficiency, and interoperability across research operations.

Key Responsibilities

Software Development & Design:

• Design, develop, test, debug, and maintain software applications, including new features and enhancements.
• Lead design specifications and translate them into code following best practices.
• Prepare and maintain code documentation to support program development.
• Apply secure coding practices and ensure adherence to Django security models.
• Implement test-driven development (TDD) and Continuous Integration methodologies.
• Ensure code quality, maintainability, and best practices across projects.

ATRI LIMS Development & Data Management:

• Develop new and enhanced functionality for ATRI LIMS to meet evolving business needs.
• Create methods for LIMS data acquisition, collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Integrate ATRI LIMS with ATRI EDC, instruments, databases, and enterprise systems to ensure interoperability.
• Provide effective day-to-day configuration, management, and support of ATRI LIMS.
• Explore and implement AI-driven solutions for data analysis, automation, and workflow optimization.

Collaboration & Documentation:

• Interface with users to determine software application objectives, scope, and requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project deadlines and deliverables.
• Perform complex, self-guided tasks under general supervision of Software Engineer staff.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in full-stack web development experience including front-end, back-end.
• Proficiency with Python.
• Proficiency with Django and the Django security models.
• Proficiency with React.
• Proficiency with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL)
• Proficiency version control systems (Git, Mercurial, SVN).
• Strong understanding of web service technologies (XML, SOA, REST).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience and knowledge in laboratory data management principles and procedures.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools (Atlassian JIRA, Confluence).
• Familiarity of TDD, CI/CD, and secure coding practices.
• Experience using AI tools and frameworks for software development, data analysis, or automation.
• Familiarity with Clinical Trial EDC systems or similar tools.
• Familiarity configuring and managing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) LIMS platforms, such as Labvantage, STARLims, or CoreLIMS, preferred.
• Understanding of AWS cloud services and software integration.
• Good taste with respect to code quality and maintainability.
• Passionate about performance, reliability, and scalability.

Required Education:

Bachelor's degree in software engineering, CS/EE, or any biomedical field with demonstrated experience designing and developing software

Preferred Education:

Master's degree in software engineering, CS/EE, or any biomedical field with demonstrated experience designing and developing software

The hourly rate range for this position is $45.72 - $57.44.When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: <1 year Minimum Skills: Experience with programming and documentation procedures, programming methods and operator instructions. Knowledge of one or more relevant programming languages, and the ability to gain needed contexts for domains. Comprehensive knowledge of architecture, design and development of software solutions. Excellent organization, planning, analytical and problem-solving skills. Experience weighing economic costs and values objectively, supporting coworkers on a project basis, and contributing to discussions in a civil manner. Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to provide both detailed information as well as summaries to varied audiences. Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree In Computer Science Or Computer Engineering Or Electrical Engineering Or in related field(s) Preferred Experience: 1 year of experience in IT/programming. Preferred Skills: Experience conducting unit/performance tests, systems integration and user acceptance. Demonstrated experience with Python, Javascript, C/C++, Java, Ruby and/or other advanced programming languages. Experience with Unix/Linux programming and/or administration. Substantial knowledge of security concepts, familiarity with secure code development techniques, and understanding of scalable and automated solutions. Ability to build strong, positive working relationships and rapport with a broad range of team members.