• Technical Application Field Scientist-1

    University of Washington (Seattle, WA)


    Job Description

    This position will support the Transportation Data Equity Initiative project sponsored by the USDOT program for the Taskar Center for Accessibility (TCAT). This innovative data infrastructure project, with a broad partnership among state departments of transportation, transportation service providers, industry and community partners, seeks to enable mobility equity by creating an interoperable, shared data infrastructure to fill in gaps in current transportation data and ultimately, provide travelers needed information they can trust. Detailed, accurate data about pedestrian networks, travel environments (transit facilities, etc.) and on-demand travel services is crucial for any trip planner, trip concierge, wayfinding, or exploratory mobile application, in particular applications and mobile experiences serving the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, veterans, suburban and rural populations.

     

    The Technical Applications Field Scientist plays a critical role in the design, development, and deployment of a suite of GIS-based tools that support transportation agencies and municipalities in producing interoperable data aligned with the Transportation Data Exchange Infrastructure (TDEI).

     

    This position bridges technical development with field engagement, ensuring that tools are not only technically sound but also responsive to real-world needs. The engineer contributes to UX/UI design, cloud-native implementation, and data interoperability strategies, with a strong emphasis on distributed systems and containerized deployment using technologies such as Docker.

    Duties/ Responsibilities:

    + **Tool Development & UX/UI Implementation:** Assist in the design and implementation of GIS-based tools for municipalities and agencies, deployed via distributed cloud environments.

    + **User Story Development & Data Modeling:** Research best practices and develop demonstrative user stories for data tools interfacing with producers and consumers.

    + **Automation & Quality Assurance:** Implement automation for testing, quality control, and privacy/security vetting of data collection and collation processes.

    + Project Planning & Evaluation: Use advanced project planning techniques to manage project status, resolve deployment issues, and interface with sponsors.

    + **Academic & Partner Dissemination:** Analyze results and compile findings for academic publication and dissemination to partner organizations.

    + **Field Engagement:** Travel to partner communities and assist in community engagement workshops and tool deployment.

    Minimum Requirements:

    + Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Human Computer Design Engineering, Data Engineering, Urban Information Science, or a related field, and at least 2years of full stack development experience.

     

    _Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration._

    Desired Qualifications:

    + Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Urban Informatics, or Human-Centered Design

    + Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and distributed cloud environments Experience with civic tech, open data platforms, and geospatial applications

    + Front end experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript and at least one component framework. Examples of component frameworks include React, Vue, and Angular.

    + Back end experience with building web APIs using common object-oriented programming languages and frameworks. Examples include TypeScript + Express, Python + DJango, Java + Spring Boot.

    + Experience with at least two programming languages commonly used in full-stack web development. Examples include JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, Java, Scala, Go, and Rust.

    + Experience with participatory design and community engagement

    + Strong understanding of data governance, privacy, and security protocols

    + Experience with interactive web mapping technologies, e.g., Mapbox GL, MapLibre GL, Leaflet.

    + Experience with open-source tools and community collaboration (e.g., GitHub, OpenStreetMap)

    + Strong background in API design, microservices, and cloud-native architecture

    + Experience with best practices in authentication, authorization, and web security.

    + Familiarity with best practices in web UI design.

    + Familiarity with best practices in building accessibility-first web applications, accessibility standards and equity-focused design

     

    Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

    Pay Range Minimum:

    $84,156.00 annual

    Pay Range Maximum:

    $99,000.00 annual

    Other Compensation:

    -

    Benefits:

    For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

    Shift:

    First Shift (United States of America)

     

    Temporary or Regular?

     

    This is a regular position

    FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

    100.00%

    Union/Bargaining Unit:

    UAW Research

     

    About the UW

     

    Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

     

    UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

     

    Our Commitment

     

    The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/) .

     

    To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected] .

     

    Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .

     

    University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.