Senior Data Privacy Software Developer

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Why join the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Vicky Joseph Professor of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), the focus of this position is to develop the OpenDP Library, a modular toolkit of differential privacy routines. You will work with privacy researchers to understand algorithms, implement the underlying architecture, and create and document public APIs. You will also help facilitate the growth of an open-source ecosystem.

The OpenDP Project is a flourishing community effort to build trustworthy, open-source software tools for statistical analysis of sensitive private data, providing the rigorous protections of differential privacy for individuals represented in the data. Upcoming projects include integrating OpenDP with differentially private methods for training AI models and supporting use cases in industry, as well as those that enable research in public health and medicine.

Job Specific Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with researchers on the design, planning, and implementation of software libraries for privacy-preserving data analysis and machine learning.
• Acquire a deep understanding of privacy algorithms through literature review and regular discussions.
• Apply firm understanding of data analysis use cases to develop flexible solutions to users’ needs.
• Build software to implement core privacy functionality, utility routines, and test suites.
• Develop and maintain support infrastructure for an open-source software library.
• Work in a team of developers and researchers in collaboration with outside experts.
• Provide regular communications to PIs and stakeholders with project updates.
• Write code design and development guides for future contributors.
• Create documentation for users with a wide range of backgrounds and levels of understanding.
• Present on DP and OpenDP to contributors and potential adopters.
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies, and Code of Conduct.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office setting.

Physical Requirements:

There are no significant physical requirements.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Fluency in Python, and either Rust (preferred) or other compiled language.
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks, preferably including federated learning.
• Post-secondary degree(s) in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, or related fields.
• Exposure to differential privacy.

Certificates and Licenses:

Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 standard hours per week. Occasionally required to work outside of normal business hours and may be contacted during off hours.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
• Other Information:
  • One-Year Renewable Term Appointment
  • Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.