Research Computing and Instrumentation Technician

The Department of Astrophysical Sciences seeks a Research Computing and Instrumentation Technician to develop and maintain the Linux computing infrastructure, web applications, and databases that support the HATPI project, including interfacing with telescope hardware and vacuum technology. The engineer will build and support internal and public-facing web tools used by researchers to access, review, and analyze scientific data; help administer the group’s Linux servers and storage; write and maintain automated data-processing and monitoring scripts; and assist with software that interfaces with laboratory and remote instrumentation. The position works closely with faculty, postdocs, and graduate students, and requires the ability to translate research needs into practical, well-documented technical solutions.

This is a full-time, benefit-eligible, 2-year term position with a possibility of extension. This position will be fully onsite, based in Princeton, NJ. 

For full consideration, please include a cover letter with your application.

Web application development and maintenance:

• Design, build, and maintain web applications (e.g., Flask) that provide researchers with access to scientific data products.
• Implement back-end logic, database queries, REST APIs, user authentication, and interactive front-end features using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Maintain existing applications, fix bugs, and add features based on user feedback.

Linux systems administration and infrastructure:

• Help in administering the group’s Linux (Debian/Ubuntu) servers, including OS upgrades, package management, scheduled jobs, storage and backups (rsync, NFS), web server configuration (nginx/Apache), and network access (SSH).
• Monitor system health and respond to outages and performance problems. This includes server computers at remote sites, accessible through the internet.

Database and data-pipeline support: 

• Design and maintain relational database schemas (MySQL/MariaDB, SQLite) for scientific and operational data.
• Write and maintain scripts that ingest, process, and organize large collections of image and time-series data, and generate plots, summaries, and quality-control products for the research team.

Instrument and hardware interfacing:

• Develop and maintain software that communicates with laboratory and remote-site hardware (sensors, power and environmental monitoring devices, networked controllers) over serial, USB, or network protocols.
• Work with vacuum technology, argon purging, and CCD chamber cleaning.

Documentation, testing, and user support:

• Maintain version-controlled code repositories, automated tests, and technical documentation.
• Provide support and training to researchers using the group's software tools, and collaborate with team members on development.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• At least one (1) year of professional experience developing and maintaining software in a Linux environment.
• Experience administering Linux systems, primarily Debian and Ubuntu, including shell scripting (Bash), basic networking (SSH, file transfer), and storage management (NFS/RAID)
• Proficiency in Python, including experience with a Python web framework (e.g., Flask or Django).
• Working knowledge of SQL and relational databases (e.g., MySQL/MariaDB, SQLite), including schema design and query writing.
• Experience with web technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and REST APIs.
• Experience with version control (Git, SVN) and collaborative development.
• Ability to write clear technical documentation and communicate effectively with non-software specialists.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing tasks, and troubleshoot problems across the full software stack.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with writing software that interfaces with hardware (sensors, USB/serial devices, or networked instruments), including basic electronics or fabrication skills.
• Experience with the scientific Python ecosystem (NumPy, pandas, matplotlib) and with astronomical data tools such as Astropy or the FITS file format.
• Experience supporting or working within a scientific research group, particularly in astronomy, physics, or a related observational science.
• Familiarity with image-processing or time-series analysis techniques.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.