Princeton University

Research Computing and Instrumentation Technician

Q: What is the Research Computing and Instrumentation Technician?

This listing is for Research Computing and Instrumentation Technician at Princeton University .

Q: Where is this role located?

The listed location is Princeton, NJ .

Q: What is the salary?

The listed salary is $58,000 – $65,000 yearly .

Q: When do applications close?

Applications close on Dec 7, 2026 .

Closes: Dec 7, 2026

Salary: $58,000 – $65,000 per year

285

Requisition # 2026-22305

Posted 2026-10-06

Department: Astrophysical Sciences

Category: Information Technology

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

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.

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime: No

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Probationary Period: 180 days

Essential Services Personnel: No

Physical Capacity Exam Required: No

Valid Driver's License Required: No

Salary Range

$58,000 to $65,000

Job details

Title: Research Computing and Instrumentation Technician
Employer: Princeton University
Location: Princeton, NJ
Published: Oct 8, 2026
Closes:: Dec 7, 2026
Job type: Full time, Staff / Administration
Field: Computer and Information Technology
Salary: Salary: $58,000 – $65,000 per year

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Frequently Asked Questions

📋What is the Research Computing and Instrumentation Technician?

This listing is for Research Computing and Instrumentation Technician at Princeton University.

📍Where is this role located?

The listed location is Princeton, NJ.

💰What is the salary?

The listed salary is $58,000 – $65,000 yearly.

📅When do applications close?

Applications close on Dec 7, 2026.

💼What type of appointment is this?

The listed type is Full time.

📝How do I apply?

Use the Apply Now button on this listing to submit your application.

About the employer

Princeton University

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

Princeton University provides a diverse array of job and work opportunities, supporting its mission in education, research, and campus operations. These opportunities broadly fall into three main categories: academic and faculty positions, administrative and staff roles, and student employment. Princeton University Jobs - https://hub-princeton.icims.com/jobs/search Academic and Faculty Positions These roles focus on teaching, research, and scholarly activities, often requiring advanced degrees and expertise in specific fields. They include: Faculty roles : Tenure-track professors, assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors across departments like physics, computer science, arts, and more. Lecturers and instructors : Part-time or full-time teaching positions in various academic programs. Professional researchers and postdocs : Postdoctoral fellows and research associates involved in lab-based or theoretical research, such as in quantum science or plasma physics. Professional specialists and librarians : Specialists in areas like data analysis or curatorial roles at the Art Museum, and professional librarians managing collections and services. Recruitment for these positions is typically handled by individual academic departments, programs, the Art Museum, or the University Library. Interested candidates can explore opportunities through the Directory of Academic Units for contact information and apply via the AHIRE online system. https://fed.princeton.edu/cas/login Administrative and Staff Positions These non-academic roles support the university’s operations, infrastructure, and services. They are available on the main campus and at facilities like the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Key subcategories include: Managerial and professional roles : Supervisors, coaches, accountants, financial services specialists, grants managers, and administrative managers. Technology and IT positions : Software developers, IT support staff, and engineers in information technology. Technical and support roles : Laboratory support, research staff, operating engineers, tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers), building services, groundskeepers, and campus security officers. Specialized featured areas : Health and safety officers, engineering positions (e.g., in facilities or research), campus dining staff (e.g., cooks, servers), and staff research support in various labs. These positions often emphasize skills in operations, safety, or specialized fields and may be open to internal candidates as well. To search and apply, use Princeton’s career portals: the main iCIMS site for managerial and office roles, a service-oriented portal for trades and security, and a research-specific portal for lab support. Featured jobs in areas like dining or IT have dedicated search links on the HR site. Student Employment Opportunities Princeton encourages students to work part-time to gain experience, build skills, and earn money, with options available both on and off campus. These roles are designed to be flexible around academic schedules. On-campus jobs : Service-oriented positions in dining halls (e.g., food service), libraries (e.g., shelving books, assisting patrons), or administrative offices. Research and academically oriented roles include lab assistants, research aides in departments like biology or physics, or project-based work in arts centers. These can be short-term (e.g., one semester) or long-term (spanning multiple years), and some may be remote. Off-campus jobs : Facilitated through the university’s Job Location and Development program, these include tutoring local students, childcare, or professionally oriented roles like internships with nearby organizations. They range from short-term gigs to ongoing positions. Benefits include competitive pay, mentorship from faculty or staff, professional development (e.g., resume-building skills), and fostering community connections. All university-affiliated jobs must be registered and applied for through the JobX Employment Portal, while off-campus employers post via registration with the financial aid office. Overall, Princeton emphasizes equal opportunity and inclusivity in hiring, with many roles offering benefits like professional growth and contributions to a vibrant academic community. For the most current listings, visit the university’s HR careers page or specific departmental sites.

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