NLM Software Engineer II

Software Engineer II

Lexical Intelligence provides software and services related to processing large-scale biomedical information sources. Our Natural Language Processing (NLP) and analytics software is used by policy and decision makers to evaluate and prioritize current and emerging areas of research.

We are looking for a Software Engineer II to work within the National Library of Medicine (NLM), Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications (LHNCBC), Bethesda, MD. The Software Engineer II will have experience in full-stack software development, cloud-based application deployment, and biomedical informatics technology solutions. The Software Engineer II will have a firm understanding of advanced programming languages and frameworks, software architecture design, AI/ML integration, and federal security compliance requirements. The Software Engineer II shall be able to work well within a team of multidisciplinary researchers, DevOps engineers, data scientists, clinical informaticists, and biomedical informatics professionals. The selected applicant will be subject to a pre-employment background and reference check.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant software development or engineering experience


• Bachelor's degree or other degree(s) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related fields


• Demonstrated proficiency in multiple programming languages including Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, R, or SQL, with experience developing in Linux environments


• Hands-on experience with full software development lifecycle (SDLC) activities including inception, analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance


• Experience with web-based and user interface development, including responsive design, RESTful APIs, and user-centered design techniques


• Working knowledge of cloud computing platforms such as Google Cloud (GC), Amazon Web Services (AWS), or Microsoft Azure, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS configurations


• Experience implementing secure coding best practices in accordance with US-CERT standards and OWASP guidelines


• Familiarity with Agile and Scrum project management frameworks and associated tools such as JIRA and Confluence


• Experience with version control systems such as Git, GitHub, or GitLab


• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to document technical work clearly for internal and external audiences


• Must be authorized to work in the United States and able to obtain a Public Trust background investigation clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI, Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), Natural Language Processing (NLP), or Image Processing (IP) development and integration


• Proficiency with additional programming tools and environments including Matlab, SAS, ETL, MySQL, MongoDB, Jupyter Notebooks, shell scripting, ChatGPT, or GitHub Copilot


• Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes


• Familiarity with CI/CD pipeline implementation and administration using tools such as GitLab, GitHub Actions, or equivalent platforms


• Experience with managed cloud services including container orchestration, object and document stores, SQL databases, message brokers, and search engines


• Experience developing applications for multiple operating environments including Windows, MacOS, Android, and mobile/handheld platforms


• Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility compliance standards and WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA success criteria


• Experience supporting federal IT security frameworks including FISMA and NIST SP 800-53 or NIST SP 800-171


• Experience with biomedical, clinical, or health informatics projects or research environments


• Familiarity with FISMA-moderate information systems and secure handling of PII, PHI, and other sensitive health-related data

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle, including inception, analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance of software applications, tools, and platforms


• Perform software analysis, design, development, testing, and maintenance primarily in Linux environments, with work also spanning Windows, MacOS, Android, web-based, and mobile platforms


• Develop applications and solutions using programming languages and environments including C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, R, Matlab, SAS, ETL, SQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and Jupyter Notebooks, adopting additional languages as the technical landscape and programmatic needs evolve


• Lead the design and development of web-based and user interfaces based on user needs analyses, design prototyping, and evaluation using graphic design, data visualization, and user-centered design techniques


• Ensure all developed interfaces meet Section 508 compliance requirements and adhere to relevant design standards such as Responsive and RESTful design principles


• Collaborate closely with NLM's Research Computing and Data Science Support teams, including the Office of Computer and Communications Systems (OCCS) and LHNCBC's Scientific Computing Branch (SCB), to ensure systems are compliant with applicable security policies


• Design and ensure that system architectures are secure, extensible, and capable of integrating with existing internal or external systems


• Ensure that all developed software is comprehensively documented for internal and external users and for future maintenance purposes


• Leverage commercial cloud computing services (GC, AWS, Azure) to make tools publicly available, working across IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and CI/CD configurations


• Utilize managed cloud services effectively, including container orchestration, object and document stores, SQL databases, message brokers, and search engines


• Conduct and lead software testing and quality control activities employing automated testing environments and configuration management best practices


• Provide technical expertise and support for projects spanning disciplines including clinical research, biology, computational biology, data and computer science, AI, ML, DL, NLP, and program management


• Contribute to the design and implementation of AI and other technology projects for the Center for Clinical Observational Investigations, including developing and integrating ML, DL, and NLP models into production systems


• Document technical project requirements, define and track development timelines, and identify and coordinate internal and external dependencies


• Generate and present status updates for upper management, keeping stakeholders informed of progress, project plan changes, and potential issues through appropriate communication channels


• Create and manage action plans for product development, translating user feedback into business requirements and development plans


• Prepare materials to publicize product features to the user community, solicit feedback, and incorporate findings into development planning


• Participate actively as a team member in resource analysis, design, estimation, development, testing, and maintenance activities


• Apply Agile and Scrum project management frameworks to ensure project deliverables are met within defined timelines, including effective use of JIRA, Confluence Wiki, and related tools


• Implement and enforce secure coding best practices as directed by US-CERT standards and OWASP guidelines to limit system software vulnerability exploits


• Ensure IT applications are designed and developed to run in standard user context without requiring elevated administrative privileges


• Ensure all developed software is fully functional and operates correctly on systems configured in accordance with government policy and federal configuration standards, testing all relevant updates and patches prior to installation in the HHS environment


• Protect sensitive information including PII, PHI, and proprietary data in accordance with FIPS 140-2/140-3 validated encryption standards, ensuring no sensitive data is used during software testing


• Conduct research and applied research activities using modern methodologies, including user surveys, stakeholder interviews, and usability tests; create and deliver records and notes collected while executing tasks


• Ensure outputs are compliant with HHS, NIH, NLM, and LHNCBC security and operational policies throughout all phases of development and delivery


• Comply with all HHS/NIH information security policies, including completing mandatory annual security awareness, privacy, and records management training


• Adhere to HHS Rules of Behavior and the NLM Policy on Health-Related Data About Individuals, including signing required non-disclosure agreements prior to performing work


• Report all suspected or confirmed information security incidents or breaches to the NIH Incident Response Team within one (1) hour of discovery

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including at no cost: full health and dental for you and your dependents, retirement and HSA accounts, short- and long-term disability insurance, life and accident insurance, paid time off, and 11 federal holidays.

Location 

Bethesda, MD 

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Lexical Intelligence, LLC, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Lexical Intelligence, LLC | 2001 Veirs Mill Rd #546 | Rockville, MD 20851