Software Development Assistant

Come work with AidData as our researchers pioneer new methods of data collection and analysis. As a Software Development Assistant (SDA), you will work closely with the Deputy Director of Data and IT Solutions for the Policy Analysis unit at AidData to support various teams in their data collection efforts. You will develop data collection tools and websites to improve the efficiency of exploratory analysis, data collection, storage and presentation of data. You will get hands on experience with many different programming languages, databases, machine learning and more.

Responsibilities include all aspects of the software development life cycle (research, design, implementation, testing and documentation). Software development experience is required, preferably related to website creation (HTML, CSS, Node,js, Java, React.js) and/or machine learning (Python).

Being an SDA requires strong time management and organizational skills as well as the ability to pick up new programming languages and technologies easily. SDAs are expected to work between 20-40 hours per week during the summer. The starting pay rate is $14 per hour. SDAs must be based in the U.S to be hired for a paid position. This position has the option to be remote, but we welcome in-person work as well.

Responsibilities:

• Determine feasibility of software requirements through research, evaluation, analysis and development of software designs.
• Develop software solutions using the software development lifecycle.
• Provide documentation for environments and solutions through diagrams, code comments, clear code and readmes.
• Store software solutions and documentation in GitHub or GitLab.
• Perform thorough testing of developed software solutions.

Required qualifications:

• Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or other equivalent discipline.
• Experience with at least one of the following programming languages: Python, Node.js, Java.
• Experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and related web concepts.
• Ability to learn and adopt various technologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with JavaScript libraries and frameworks like React, Bootstrap, Backbone, Underscore.
• Experience in the configuration and administration of Unix operating systems.
• Experience with databases like PostgreSQL and MongoDB.
• Demonstrated understanding of machine learning technologies.
• Experience with GitHub, GitLab or other software versioning tools.