Senior Application Developer - ICTS - Biomedical Informatics
The Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (ICTS) is seeking a highly skilled Senior Application Developer to support cutting-edge biomedical research and data science. In this role, the developer serves as the primary application and data developer for the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (ICTS) supported research projects, owning the full lifecycle from requirements gathering through implementation, maintenance, and technical debt management. This role is critical in enabling researchers and clinicians to advance discovery, improve patient outcomes, and accelerate translational science. The position will coordinate with central Carver College of Medicine (CCOM) IT and institutional partners as needed to align with security, compliance, and hosting standards, while remaining focused on ICTS research systems. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in software engineering, a strong understanding of data management and architecture in biomedical contexts, and experience collaborating in academic or research-driven environments.
Duties to include but not limited to:
· Collaborate with colleagues and research community end users (both local and national) to define functional/technical specifications and offer solutions. Lead design and analysis.
· Consult with colleagues and research community end users to define system requirements, identify programming and output needs, and verify preliminary design and output. Write documentation and educate community in application and or data warehouse functionality.
· Recommend tools, languages, technologies, techniques, and standards to improve our processes.
· Build development environment automation.
· Propose software maintenance procedures and schedules.
· Provide on-call coverage for complex issues.
· Scope potential projects to create summaries and make recommendations.
· Develop work plan and time schedules for computing projects including outlining phases and identifying personnel and computing equipment requirements.
· Gather business system solution requirements by interviewing and analyzing work processes and operations; evaluate business and information systems functionality.
· Act as a functional expert for the translation of business practice into systems.
· Build and foster relationships. Provide leadership in multiple areas of expertise.
· Seek ways to improve assigned processes.
For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.
About ICTS: The Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (ICTS) at the University of Iowa was approved by the Iowa Board of Regents in 2007 to support the work of investigators involved in clinical and translational science. Our mission is to accelerate translational science through programs to develop the translational workforce, to promote engagement of community members and other stakeholders, to promote research integration across the lifespan, and to catalyze innovative clinical and translational research. These efforts will lead to the development of novel therapies and healthcare delivery strategies, the integration of translational research and clinical practice, and, ultimately to measurable improvements in the health of Iowa and the nation.
Percent of Time: 100%
Pay Grade: 5B
https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/guide-pay-plans
Hybrid within Iowa: This position is eligible for a combination of on-campus and remote work. Remote work must be performed within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
Benefits Highlights:
-Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
-For more information about Why Iowa?, click here
· A minimum of five years’ experience, advanced proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, PhP, R, and C#, with experience in web frameworks (Django, Flask, Spring, .NET, Node.js, React, or Angular).
· Strong background in web development, web application configuration. and proficient writing in HTML5, CSS, Javascript, JQuery, JSON and XML for multiple web browsers on multiple platforms.
· Strong expertise in database design, optimization, and data integration (SQL and NoSQL).
· Familiarity with medical informatics interoperability standards (FHIR, HL7, CDISC)
· Familiarity with clinical and research common data models (PCORNet CDM, OMOP) and biomedical ontologies (SNOMED CT, ICD, LOINC, MeSH, RxNorm).
· Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP, Databricks, Snowflake), containerization (Docker), orchestration (Kubernetes), and CI/CD pipelines (GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins).
· In-depth knowledge of web security and login technologies (LDAP or Active Directory).
· Ability to design and implement data visualization and analysis tools using R, Python, Tableau, or Power BI.
· Experience integrating electronic health records (EHRs) and related APIs into research workflows.
· Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work across interdisciplinary research teams.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including documentation and the ability to present technical concepts to large audiences.
Desirable Qualifications
In-depth knowledge of data security, compliance, and governance practices, including HIPAA and GDPR.
Prior experience supporting NIH- or industry-funded biomedical research projects, including grant-driven deliverables and reporting requirements.
Experience working within an academic health center, with an understanding of research culture and compliance frameworks.
Advanced degree (MS) in Computer Science, Biomedical Informatics, Data Science, or a related discipline.
- Background in clinical trial data management, translational research, or multi-institutional collaborations.
- Comfortable with agile/iterative development practices such as rapid prototyping, test-driven development, and frequent stakeholder feedback. Ability to troubleshoot and debug problems of varying complexity.
Application Process:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
Resume
Cover Letter
Successful candidates will be required to self -disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact Amy Stewart at amy-stewart@uiowa.edu
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.

