About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic, and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Department of Linguistics, within the Social Sciences Division of the College of Letters and Science, is highly regarded in the linguistics community. Our faculty and students have close contacts with other departments and programs on campus, including Anthropology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Education, Native American Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, and many language and literature departments. We are home to several laboratories and a language archive. The department consists of 25 faculty, including adjuncts and emeritus, approximately 40 graduate students and 100 undergraduate majors. We also host post-docs, visiting scholars, researchers and 6 staff FTE.

Position Summary

The responsibilities of this position are to: 1) Develop (in consultation with other team members, and the user community) a GUI for speech acoustic analysis using an existing library of analysis functions, with one of the main requirements of the GUI being a suite of editing tools to allow users to place and edit text tags on stretches of speech. 2) Work with other team members to revise and extend the current python speech analysis library with a focus on improving its stability and processing speed. This will involve making decisions about software design guidelines and dependencies that can be incorporated into the library. 3) Lead three zoom workshops on the software library and GUI for members of the user community.

The aim of the project is to develop a graphic user interface for a scientific library of routines in Python, and if time permits to improve and extend the library. The position will be best filled by a candidate who has skill and experience in python programming, particularly in applications that require real-time (or near real-time) analysis of audio signals like speech and music, and familiarity with graphic user interface development. The successful candidate should also be familiar with the git version control system, for team-built software, the pip software deployment system, and be an engaging representative of the project in workshops and group meetings.

This is a 12-month contract position, to work on a three person team (one PI, one part-time IT specialist, and this programmer).

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: May 14, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

• In an iterative process with the PI and a panel of test users, design a graphic user interface for speech acoustic analysis, implement the design in python - using AI where appropriate. This position will be the project lead for this task and will be expected to do almost all of the coding involved in developing this tool. The programmer will be expected to consult with the PI on a weekly basis and deploy intermediate versions of the tool for feedback from other team members monthly.
• Modify the Phonlab library of phonetic routines to (1) improve the speed and efficiency of the analysis functions, and (2) standardize function call syntax, and (3) update and expand documentation. The programmer will share this responsibility with the PI and other members of the team. The team will split up tasks (particular functions or sections of code to work on) with the programmer taking a share of the work, particularly in sections of code that interface most closely with the GUI development.
• Lead on-line workshops training new users and get feedback to guide the software design work. The programmer will share this responsibility with the PI. The PI will do the outreach to get workshops set up and the programmer will help present material to them and help trouble shoot things for participants. The programmer will also help compile feedback forms and evaluate the feedback to determine priorities for further development.
• Add new capabilities to Phonlab - particularly to implement deep neural network methods for acoustic analysis. The programmer will be entirely responsible for this work. The PI will support the work with feedback and help in identifying suitable training materials that can be used to train DNN models.

Required Qualifications

• Intermediate knowledge of secure software development.
• Advanced skills associated with software design, modification, implementation and deployment, including object-oriented programming concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to understand functional needs and how systems can support those needs. Demonstrated ability to develop conversion and system implementation plans.
• Demonstrated ability to develop Deep Neural Network AI models.
• Demonstrated ability to interface with management on a regular basis.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute technical narrative to grant proposals.
• Thorough experience with identification and use of code libraries and open-source forums as well as experience using AI tools to speed code development when appropriate.
• Experience with planning for deployment and creation of feedback mechanisms.
• Demonstrated software repository skills. Demonstrated testing and test planning skills.
• Thorough experience with common programming tools. Demonstrated ability to follow software specifications.
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
• Self-motivated and works independently and as part of a team. Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated broad problem solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $82,800.00 - $106,000.00.

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a 12-month, full-time (40 hours per week), contract appointment eligible for full UC-benefits.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to 40% (2 days/week) remote work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change.