The Institute for Social Research (ISR) needs to design, build, and maintain scripts and integrations that connect its internal systems with AI models and services to advance public understanding of human behavior through rigorous, wide-ranging research.
Requirements
- Proficiency in Python, JavaScript, SQL, and Bash for scripting, automation, and data manipulation.
- Experience working with APIs, data pipelines, and workflow automation.
- Familiarity with GitHub, version control practices, and collaborative development.
- Experience working with AI or machine-learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Hugging Face.
- Familiarity with Model Context Protocol (MCP), agent frameworks, or retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) workflows.
- Experience developing integrations with services such as OpenAI, Claude, or UM-GPT.
- Knowledge of database systems (PostgreSQL, SQLite) and basic Linux system scripting.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain Python, JavaScript, and Bash scripts for automating and integrating APIs with AI platforms (UM-GPT, OpenAI, Claude, and local models).
- Build and support data workflows and internal tools that enhance ISR's AI research infrastructure.
- Write and optimize SQL queries and interact with databases such as PostgreSQL and SQLite3, along with structured file types (CSV, JSON, Parquet, etc.).
- Implement and maintain automation pipelines using GitHub workflows, agent frameworks, and MCP (Model Context Protocol) integrations.
- Create and maintain documentation, including code repositories, environment setups, and workflow diagrams.
- Perform unit testing, debugging, and version control using GitHub to ensure code reliability and reproducibility.
- Participate in meetings, provide technical updates, and contribute to planning discussions for AI-related projects.
Other
- A cover letter is required for consideration for this position.
- Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively with staff and faculty.
- Understanding of accessibility, security, and data-privacy best practices in research environments.
- This position will be on-site at the University of Michigan offices in Ann Arbor, with flexible scheduling and remote opportunities made available within our overall institute policies.
- This is a part time, 50% position.
