Applications Programmer 2 (Remote)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $39.26/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 27th, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is hybrid with the possibility of remote.

This position is a one-year contract working 10 hours per week.

This position is eligible for core benefits.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

The Applications Programmer applies professional software engineering principles in moderate-sized desktop software projects and small web projects, taking the lead on system design and refactoring. Applies current technologies and best practices to aid the development of the software. Plans, designs, and develops new features specified by the supervisor. Investigates existing issues and proposes and implements solutions. Designs and creates unit tests. Performs performance tests, identifies bottlenecks in the system and optimizes performance. The majority of the work is focused on issues relating to educational software maintained by Professor Jeff Yoshimi, Simbrain, which is used in teaching several courses, but primarily COGS 103, Introduction to Neural Networks in Cognitive Science. The job mainly involves programming in Java, Kotlin for desktop applications, and JavaScript for web applications. Some web programming is sometimes involved which requires knowledge of web application security.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applies current industry technologies to refactor and improve existing system designs. Evaluates requirements and formulates plans for software redesigns, discusses requirements with supervisor, and implements these refactors.

• Plans, designs, and implements new features as specified by the supervisor with attention to maintainable software architecture.

• Creates unit tests for the existing codebase. Performs performance tests and system profiling to optimize system performance, making use of concurrent programming principles.

• Miscellaneous bug fixes, documentation in code or on website. Makes and secures web environments for websites related to projects in scope.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from accredited university in a related field and/or equivalent experience/training. (Required)

• One year of directly related, progressively responsible experience in an IT job function, or a combination of education, training, and experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge relating to the design development, modification and implementation of software including object-oriented programming concepts.

• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.

• Self-motivated and works independently and as part of a team. Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/