OpenDP is an open-source initiative for building libraries, tools, and systems to share and analyze sensitive data with the strong mathematical protections of differential privacy. It has a rapidly growing community that spans academia, industry, and government.

As a support engineer, your role will be to guide external developers and users in the creation and deployment of private data analyses and other applications of the OpenDP software tools. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of OpenDP technologies by partnering with target organizations to understand their needs, develop technical solutions, and provide feedback to OpenDP developers for improvement of our offerings.

This is a one-year term appointment with the possibility of extension.

Job Responsibilities

• Engage and collaborate with a wide range of community developers and users through requests (e.g. email, ticketing systems, chats) and in-person consultations during office hours.
• Help to facilitate the design and testing of application workflows alongside developers and users.
• Connect and coordinate interactions with technology providers.
• Provide regular communications to systems and software/data professionals.
• Develop and present educational material for basic use of OpenDP software tools.
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies, and Code of Conduct.

• Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

• Knowledge of the Python language and script development required.
• Understanding of basic data processing and ability to create analytic notebooks required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and empathy, valuing diversity and working with communities.
• Exposure to and interest in learning more about differential privacy.
• Experience and interest in working with open-source projects and communities.
• Experience with other programming languages, for example R and C.

Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred.

• This is a one-year term appointment with the possibility of extension.
• The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
• This position is based on our campus in Allston, MA. Individual flexible, hybrid, and remote options for this role can be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT, GA, IL, VA, NJ, and WA). Must be able to work primarily during east coast business hours.
• Harvard requires COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/

About SEAS

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves as the connector and integrator of Harvard’s teaching and research efforts in engineering, applied sciences, and technology. Our core tenets are educating broad-minded students; interdisciplinary research; integration across disciplines; and balancing theory, experimentation and practice to create an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. Through collaboration with researchers from all parts of Harvard, other universities, and industry, we bring discovery and innovation directly to bear on improving human life and society. For more information about us, please visit www.seas.harvard.edu.

SEAS Commitment to Diversity

SEAS is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Some of our core values include respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.