Careers at UMass Amherst

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

About Rescue Lab

Rescue Lab is the premier academic group working on topics related to thwarting internet-based child exploitation. Our group is staffed by very experienced professors and staff, and we collaborate with partners in the US and internationally. Work with us to enjoy a high-impact position in a group that deploys solutions that assist the vulnerable worldwide.

Job Description

Contributes to research in a highly technical Computer Science group. This role can involve:

• designing, programming, and maintaining highly technical distributed systems;
• quantitative analysis of empirical data;
• modifying and explaining code written by others;
• working with third parties who are not computer scientists.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher (preferably in Computer Science or a related field).
• Expertise with programming languages appropriate to the projects (e.g., python, C, and/or c-sharp, as well as sql languages).
• Expertise with building and maintaining software systems.
• Familiarity with the specialized subareas of networking, databases, software engineering, and distributed software. An understanding of digital forensics or network forensics is a plus. 
• Ability to work with a minimal amount of supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.

Additional Information

This is a temporary, grant-funded position. This full-time role is being filled to satisfy the needs for a contract with Fox Valley Technical College, which currently has funding available through August 31, 2025. Reappointment beyond this date will be contingent upon the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

Application Instructions

Please submit a CV and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.