Interim Research Assistant, CEE Software Engineering

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Center for Educational Equity is seeking a Software Engineering Research Assistant. The position will serve as the primary backend engineer for OUTREACH (www.outreach.vote), our flagship civic engagement and deliberation tool, and will subsequently contribute to the development of new Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). This role requires a commitment of a minimum of 10 hours/week.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Software Engineering Research Assistant's primary responsibilities include handling mission-critical details, specifically backend architecture, cloud functions, simple prompt engineering, and rigorous Quality Assurance (QA) testing under the direction of their supervisor. Other minor and major related responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Backend Architecture & Data Integrity: Architect, implement, and manage the Supabase backend, focusing on scalable database schemas and security protocols
• API & Cloud Function Development: Design and deploy server-side logic, API endpoints, and cloud functions to handle complex business logic and reliable data exchange between the frontend and database.
• Quality Assurance (QA) & Testing: Take ownership of the development lifecycle, including the creation and execution of comprehensive unit, integration, and end-to-end tests to ensure the reliability and stability of all backend services and data pipelines.
• Data Visualization Engineering: Implement the necessary data pipelines and APIs to power compelling, accessible, and intuitive data visualizations (e.g., dashboards) for presenting political science research findings.
• Full-Stack Implementation: Translate UI/UX designs from Figma into high-quality front- end components and features, collaborating closely with the Research and Innovation Associate.
• AI/LLM Integration: Leverage prompt engineering skills to design and integrate features using Large Language Models (LLMs) that enhance the tool's core research and user interaction capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be able to abide by Teachers College academic and personnel policies and guidelines, including FERPA, Student Confidentiality Agreement, and the Student Privacy requirements
• Proficiency in modern JavaScript/TypeScript and experience with a front-end framework (e.g., React, Next.js).
• Expertise in Supabase, including schema design, RLS, and advanced querying.
• Proven ability to work in a high-trust, autonomous environment, taking complete ownership of assigned tasks, including QA and deployment.
• A passion for social impact, education technology, and contributing to agile development cycles.
• Previous experience:
  • Advanced coursework in a Computer Science undergraduate program, with at least one relevant technical internship or equivalent project experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with serverless functions or cloud environments (e.g., Vercel, Netlify, AWS Lambda, GCP).
• Experience making coding agents or workflow automations using tools like n8n, make.com, or similar platforms.
• Experience with advanced data visualization libraries (e.g., D3.js, Tableau/Power BI embedded).
• Experience with Figma-to-code workflows (e.g., Figma Make, or other agentic file generation tools).

Salary Range:

$18-$18

Work Modality:

Hybrid

Documents required for consideration:
- Resume
- Cover letter
Applications with missing documents will not be considered