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Why join Harvard University Central Administration?
Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.
Job Description
This is a fully benefited, full-time Harvard University position that has been funded through 6/30/27. There is the possibility of renewal, contingent upon your work performance meeting the needs of the department and the continued availability of funding designed to support the position.
Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is a community of Information Technology professionals committed to delivering service and technological solutions in support of teaching, learning, research and administration. We are recruiting an IT workforce that has both breadth in their ability to collaborate and innovate across disciplines – and depth in specific areas of expertise. HUIT offers opportunities for IT professionals to learn and work in a unique technology landscape and service-focused environment. If you are a technically proficient, nimble, user-focused, and accountable IT professional who also connects with the importance of collaborating well in a team environment, we are looking for you!
We are seeking an Associate Developer, Python to join the team responsible for the my.harvard portal, the primary online gateway for Harvard students, faculty, and staff to manage courses, academic records, and student services.
In this role, you will contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of backend services and integrations that power features such as course search and enrollment, advising tools, and academic records. You will work closely with senior engineers and product stakeholders in a collaborative, Agile environment.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
- Backend Development: Implement and maintain Python-based backend services and APIs that support my.harvard features. Develop small to medium-sized features from well-defined requirements under guidance from senior engineers. Work within existing frameworks (e.g., Django/Flask/FastAPI) and follow established patterns and best practices.
- APIs & Integrations: Build and enhance APIs consumed by front-end applications and other university systems. Integrate with internal services (authentication/SSO, student information systems, financial systems) using documented APIs and data feeds.
- Data & Business Logic: Access and manipulate data related to courses, schedules, and student records. Implement business rules in a robust and maintainable way.
- Quality, Testing & Maintenance: Conduct basic tests to ensure code quality and reliability. Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve bugs and performance issues in existing code. Participate in code reviews, incorporate feedback, and gradually contribute feedback to peers.
- Collaboration & Process: Work closely with product managers, QA, and other developers to refine requirements and deliver features. Participate in Agile ceremonies (daily stand-ups, sprint planning, retrospectives). Contribute to documentation (technical notes, API docs, README files) to support maintainability and onboarding.
Working Conditions:
- Onsite work will be performed in an office setting.
More About HUIT:
Our Mission: huit.harvard.edu/about
We empower the Harvard community with essential and transformative technologies to advance education, knowledge, and discovery.
HUIT’s core values are:
- Human-centered
- University-focused
- Innovation-driven
- Team-oriented
IT Academy (designed for IT Staff):
HUIT’s IT Academy aims to enable each IT staff person to grow professionally and become a trusted partner to her or his team. The IT Academy is built on the belief that every IT staff member across the University (including technology employees at each school and campus) can grow in her or his area of expertise as well as building strong people and project management skills. Learn more here: https://itacademy.harvard.edu/.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum of two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Required Essential Knowledge and Skills:
- Up to 2 years of professional software development experience (internships and academic projects welcome).
- Proficiency in Python.
- Basic understanding of relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and SQL.
- RESTful APIs, HTTP, and JSON.
- Version control using Git (branch, pull requests, code reviews).
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills and a willingness to ask questions and learn.
The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience with Django in a production or academic setting.
- Understanding of security and privacy best practices, particularly when working with sensitive student data.
- Basic familiarity with front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate collaboration with UI teams.
- Experience with CI/CD tools and DevOps practices (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins, Docker).
- Prior experience working on higher-education, student information, or enterprise web applications.
Certificates and Licenses:
- Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred.
Additional Information
- This is a Hybrid position, typically onsite 2 days per month.
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
- Other Information:
Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application.
This position has a 180-day orientation and review period.
#LI-BT1
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.