Scientific Software Engineer

The Many Brains Project | employment@manybrains.net
Remote (U.S.-based. Eastern Time Zone Preferred) | Full-Time

About The Many Brains Project

The Many Brains Project is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing cognitive and behavioral science through scalable digital assessment tools, scientific infrastructure, and open research resources. We develop and support the TestMyBrain platform, including TestMyBrain cognitive assessments, public educational and research resources, and the TestMyBrain.org TMB Digital Lab. Our work supports researchers, clinicians, educators, and organizations around the world through scientifically rigorous cognitive testing, large-scale behavioral data collection, and research collaboration.

We are mission-driven, collaborative, and deeply committed to rigorous science, long-term thinking, and meaningful real-world impact. We believe scientific infrastructure matters, and we are building tools that help advance research and improve understanding of human cognition and behavior.

About the Role

We are seeking a technically versatile and scientifically minded Scientific Software Engineer to support development and maintenance of the TestMyBrain platform and associated research infrastructure.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building reliable systems, solving complex technical problems, and working closely with researchers to support large-scale cognitive and behavioral science. Candidates may come from backgrounds such as software engineering, computer science, computational neuroscience, cognitive science, data science, or related interdisciplinary fields.

The role combines elements of software engineering, backend infrastructure development, scientific programming, research systems support, and data infrastructure. You will work closely with leadership across software development, psychometrics, analytics, and research operations to help expand and maintain the TestMyBrain platform and associated technical systems. Successful candidates will be thoughtful, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in highly collaborative environments that value clear communication and strong documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve backend infrastructure supporting the TestMyBrain platform and research systems

• Contribute to frontend and/or backend software development for cognitive testing applications and internal tools

• Support deployment, configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of technical infrastructure and study environments

• Build and maintain data pipelines, APIs, reporting systems, and operational tools

• Assist with database design, versioning systems, and technical documentation

• Help maintain software reliability, debugging, QA processes, and security practices

• Collaborate with researchers to implement and support cognitive assessments and research studies

• Contribute to internal workflows and automation that improve operational efficiency

• Support data integrity, system monitoring, and infrastructure scalability

• Assist with technical support for external collaborators and research partners

In Your First Year, You May:

• Improve or expand backend infrastructure supporting cognitive testing and research operations

• Build or refine internal tools, APIs, analytics systems, or reporting workflows

• Support deployment and maintenance of new research studies and testing environments

• Collaborate with senior staff to improve technical infrastructure, operational workflows, and software reliability across the organization

• Help identify opportunities for new tools, automation, or infrastructure improvements aligned with your strengths and interests

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in computer science, software engineering, cognitive science, neuroscience, data science, or a related field

• Strong programming skills in JavaScript, Python, SQL, or similar languages

• Experience with backend systems, APIs, databases, and web application development

• Familiarity with cloud/server infrastructure, Unix/Linux environments, or DevOps workflows

• Experience working with scientific, behavioral, or longitudinal datasets

• Interest in applied research and scientific infrastructure

• Ability to work independently in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Nice to Have

• Experience with cognitive assessment platforms or digital health technologies

• Familiarity with psychometrics, experimental design, or behavioral research methods

• Experience with data visualization frameworks or analytics dashboards

• Knowledge of research security/privacy standards

• Experience supporting external collaborators or research partners

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: approximately $95,000–$125,000 depending on experience and technical background

• Fully remote work environment (U.S.-based; Eastern Time Zone preferred)

• 22 vacation days, 11 organization-wide holidays, 1 floating holiday, 2 paid personal days, 8 paid sick days

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching after 6 months of employment

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for full-time employees, including employer-supported dependent coverage

• Flexible and supportive remote work culture with established core collaboration hours

• Opportunities for professional growth and long-term career development

• Meaningful ownership and autonomy within a mission-driven nonprofit organization

Growth & Long-Term Opportunity

This role is intentionally broad and interdisciplinary. Because we are a small and collaborative organization, successful candidates often have the opportunity to shape parts of the role around their strengths and interests over time.

We are especially excited about candidates who bring unique combinations of technical, analytical, scientific, creative, or operational skills that may expand how we think about the role and the organization’s future capabilities.

Potential areas of growth may include:

• backend infrastructure and systems architecture

• scientific programming

• software engineering and platform development

• data infrastructure and analytics

• automation and operational tooling

• product and tool development

• research operations and infrastructure

We care deeply about intellectual curiosity, adaptability, initiative, and long-term growth. This role is especially well suited for someone who enjoys technical problem-solving and building systems that support meaningful scientific work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

If you are excited by the idea of building tools and infrastructure that support impactful cognitive and behavioral research at scale, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• a cover letter describing your interest in the role and relevant experience

• and a current resume or CV

Candidates are also welcome to include links to relevant technical projects, publications, GitHub repositories, or work samples.

Applications should be sent to:

employment@manybrains.net

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled.

We recognize that strong candidates may not match every qualification listed above. If you are excited about the role and believe your background could contribute to our work, we encourage you to apply.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Many Brains Project is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, and we are committed to building an inclusive and collaborative workplace.