Software Engineer - Gadagkar Lab

Primary Work Address: HHMI/Columbia University | Shadlen Lab--L5-003, New York, NY, 10027

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

The lab of Dr. Vikram Gadagkar, Freeman Hrabowski Scholar at Columbia University, is seeking a Software Engineer. The Gadagkar lab’s goal is to combine the advantages of the songbird courtship system with state-of-the-art computational, theoretical, and experimental approaches to discover how brains evaluate behaviors, both self-generated and the behaviors of others. By discovering fundamental principles of brain function, they aim to provide insight into neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and autism. More information about the lab team and their work can be found by visiting https://gadagkar.zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/

This position is expected to begin after October 1, 2025 in concurrence with Dr. Gadagkar’s upcoming appointment as a Freeman Hrabowski Scholar.

About the Software Engineer role:

The Software Engineer will have demonstrated experience coding in MATLAB and Python along with skills in Arduino, database management, and basic electronics set-up/maintenance. Projects will involve coding as well as working with experimental setups and building electronics/hardware for acquisition of neuroscientific data. As the Software Engineer, you will be able to work both independently and as part of the team to complete projects, experiments, and other research-related tasks in support of the lab’s goals and day-to-day operations.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Joining the highly dynamic and vibrant Columbia/Zuckerman Institute research community.

• Full access to HHMI’s on-demand training courses and interactive skill-building seminars, led by members of our learning and organization development team.

• Opportunities for professional development and direct mentorship from Dr. Gadagkar.

• Opportunities to further strengthen your skills and knowledge as a software engineer while supporting the lab’s research goals.

What you’ll do:

• Provide technical and engineering support to the lab for experiments and analysis pipelines.

• Attend meetings and brainstorm sessions, building working relationships with lab team members and other project stakeholders.

• Continuously improve software skillset to increase impact and project versatility.

• Learn new tools, frameworks, and systems as required to support the lab’s needs.

• Collaborate with Dr. Gadagkar and other team members on technology decisions and workflow prioritization.

What you bring:

• A bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a closely related field of study is required.

• Experience writing code in MATLAB and Python is required.

• Experience with database management is required.

• Experience with Arduino and basic electronics set-up/maintenance is required.

• Experience with LabVIEW/National Instruments for data acquisition would be a plus.

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and precision in day-to-day work.

• The ability to clearly communicate technological principles, design, and coding with biologists and the capacity to work collaboratively with members of the lab to optimize systems and coding as experimental needs require.

• The ability to multitask and assist in the design and optimization of different systems simultaneously to support multiple ongoing and evolving projects.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-NG1

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$79,810.00 (minimum) - $99,800.00 (midpoint) - $129,720.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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