Health Research & Policy, Software Developer

Job Summary

The primary focus of this position will be to support the Principal Investigator and multi-country research team in the design, development, and evaluation of digital tools that enable health research, inform policy, and advance equitable health outcomes. This role sits at the intersection of software development, usability research, and health policy, with a strong emphasis on inclusive, user-centered, and ethical technology. The incumbent will assist with the software development for multiple research projects for vital signs monitoring, data collection, and patient risk assessment. This includes assisting in the design, implementation, and maintenance of research software. This dynamic position offers the opportunity to shape the future of Global Health applications and make a meaningful impact.

The research team focuses on a number of global health initiatives in newborn and child health coordinated centrally from the Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics. The incumbent will work closely with researchers, clinicians, community partners, policy experts, designers, and senior engineers.

Organizational Status
The Institute for Global Health (IGH) brings together researchers at C&W, UBC, and global partners to improve children’s and women’s health around the world. We are committed to innovation and strengthening local and international capacity through research education and partnerships. IGH is supported in collaboration with the Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology and many others.

Work Performed

• Develop, design and test software applications, data pipelines, and dashboards used in pediatric clinical research and policy analysis
• Integrate, clean and maintain health-related datasets, ensuring data quality, privacy, and responsible data stewardship
• Implement data-driven or AI-enabled features under the guidance of senior technical staff
• Document code, workflows, and technical decisions to support transparency, reproducibility, and knowledge sharing
• Oversee and conduct usability testing and user research activities (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing sessions) with clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and community users
• Research and determine the applicability of electronic medical record systems, and other applications that support pediatric research objectives in health facilities located in resource limited settings
• Oversee the synthesis and progress of user feedback to identify usability issues, accessibility barriers, and opportunities for improvement
• Provide instruction and training to designers and researchers to incorporate user-centered and accessibility-informed design principles into digital tools
• Develop and iterate low- to mid-fidelity prototypes, wireframes, or user flows based on research findings
• Apply an equity-oriented and inclusive lens to software development and user research, with attention to accessibility, cultural safety, and diverse user needs
• Oversee and ensure the use of ethical and responsible AI practices, including awareness of bias, fairness, and transparency in data and algorithms
• Work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams, translating research and policy needs into technical and usability requirements
• Participate in team meetings, code reviews, and continuous learning activities
• Engage respectfully with community and health system partners, valuing lived experience and diverse perspectives

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Senior Manager and/or Principal Investigator will monitor the work of the incumbent. Errors or incorrect decisions could potentially result in delays in completing the project or seriously compromise the quality of the research. In addition, if established protocols related to privacy, confidentiality, and safety are not followed confidentiality about sensitive information related to patients' personal health and experiences could be breached.

Supervision Received
The incumbent will work under minimum supervision, receiving specific instructions on unusual or complex problems, and exercising a considerable amount of autonomy, discretion, and initiative in determining work procedures and methods. This position will report to and be supervised by the Senior Managers and the Principal Investigators of the project. They, in conjunction with the investigative team, will provide direction to the incumbent.

Supervision Given
This position may supervise a research assistants and trainees (RA Tech 3/work learn students) at a lower classification and have input into their performance evaluation.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, R, and SQL
• Experience developing Android mobile web apps using React Native, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML
• Knowledge of software development best practices, including version control, testing, and documentation
• Experience with UX research, usability, accessibility standards (WCAG), and human-centered design
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in interdisciplinary and community-based teams
• Experience with health data, mixed-methods research, evaluation frameworks, and applied AI/machine learning
• Understanding of ethics, equity, and policy considerations in digital health and AI
• Experience with back-end development, databases, and modern web frameworks
• Understanding of HCI, user-centered interaction design, and graphic design principles
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles