Junior Mobile Software Developer

Job Summary

CREST.BD is a globally recognized research network supporting people to live well with bipolar disorder (BD) under the leadership of Dr. Erin Michalak.

Under the supervision of Dr. Erin Michalak and the Software Development Lead, and in consultation with CREST.BD staff, the Junior Mobile Software Developer will contribute to the advancement of the iOS and Android versions of the PolarUs app. This work will require close collaboration with the PolarUs app development team, composed of a Software Development Lead, UI / UX designer and student developers.

The Junior Mobile Software Developer is a full-time position for a 6-month contract. This role will be both challenging and rewarding, and is best suited for a fast learner with a strong foundation in mobile app development and back-end data analytics infrastructure

Organizational Status

The Junior Mobile Software Developer reports directly to the Principal Investigators, Drs. Erin Michalak and Steven Barnes, and the Software Development Lead. This position will also interact with employees and collaborators from various backgrounds and locations.

Work Performed

• Work on advancing and maintaining the Android and iOS versions of the PolarUs app under the direction of the Software Development Lead through :

o Assisting the lead developer in writing clean, maintainable, and well-documented code for new app features

o Implementing UI / UX design enhancements

o Setting up and maintaining the back-end data analytics infrastructure of the app

o Knowledge-permitting, assist the lead developer in implementing new artificial intelligence (AI) features such as translation capability for 3 new languages (Mandarin, French and Spanish)

o Conducting app testing, monitoring bug reports from users, and debugging

o Developing app updates and addressing possible security threats

o Optimizing app performance

o Build responsive and user-friendly UIs using Jetpack Compose (Android) and SwiftUI / UIKit (iOS)

o Implement features using MVVM architecture and industry-standard design patterns

o Integrate backend services using Firebase, Firestore, Google Cloud and Google BigQuery tools

o Support app deployment processes to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store

Consequence of Error / Judgement

The PolarUs app is actively being used by thousands of real-world users across the globe, and across multiple research studies. As a consequence, the development process can involve complex interactions between the incumbent, the PolarUs and CREST.BD teams, and / or users of the app. Incorrect appraisals could jeopardize the timeline for the development of the app and related projects, negatively impact the reputations of the PolarUS app and CREST.BD, as well as the Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, and UBC in general. Communications with team members must be clear, timely and accurate.

Supervision Received

The Junior Mobile Software Developer will be directly supervised by the project PIs and the Lead Mobile Software Developer. The incumbent will also receive tasks and some supervision from other PolarUs and CREST.BD team members, and project co-applicants.

The Junior Mobile Software Developer must be able to work both independently and collaboratively. While working independently, the incumbent will be expected to set progress goals, manage their time effectively and maintain regular contact with the PIs and CREST.BD team. Communications will occur through weekly meetings, as well as through email, telephone and other communication platforms, as necessary.

Supervision Given

None

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of one year of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Tasks require strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to support other employees. This position requires a good working knowledge of iOS and Android development environments.

Competence in programming both Javascript-based front-end components and also back-end components of a piece of web-deployable software is necessary. Competence in implementing and testing user interfaces is desirable.

Experience building iOS and Android mobile applications, or components thereof, is required.

Excellent working knowledge of Android (Kotlin, Jetpack Compose) and iOS (Swift, XCode) development environments and libraries.

Strong JavaScript / Typescript programming skills.

Strong understanding of client-server architecture, APIs, and website networking.

Experience with Docker and automated testing is preferred.

Experience with using Testflight for app testing and troubleshooting is preferred.

Experience with Git and GitHub is required.