Jobs and Careers

Software Engineer: Python Simulation Modeling

UKRemotecontractVerifiedPosted 5 Mar 2025

About the role

This is a remote position.

At sistemaFutura, we combine simulation modeling and behavioral science to study and improve complex problems. We work on a range of issues, from gender-based violence to climate adaptation and financial inequality. Across each model, the concept is the same: we build empirically calibrated, theoretically guided models of a complex problem, which we then analyze for opportunities for meaningful improvement. We then work hand in hand with a range of stakeholders, especially in international development, to act on those opportunities: deploying them in real life, and rigorously measuring their impact.

For this role, a simulation background is ideal (especially agent-based modeling) but not required. For the right person, we'll teach you. You will need a background in software engineering either way, though. sistemaFutura works through freelance Affiliates; this is a contract role.

Responsibilities

Design and build computational models of human systems, including: models of how people adapt to climate change, how they interact with the healthcare system, and how they respond to policies to encourage saving.
Develop a software architecture for executing and processing millions of runs of the simulation model runs.
Research and apply academic and practitioner literature about these systems.
Collaborate with experts to gain their feedback and advice on the model.
Analyze the models for opportunities for behavioral science interventions.
Develop and run unit and performance tests to ensure scalability and reliability.
Review and debug code.
Develop documentation, diagrams, charts, code comments, and clean code to explain and show solutions.

Requirements

We strongly believe that credentials are useful but less important than what a person can actually do. In our job application, we'll describe how to build a simple model, then ask you to build one (without the help of AI tools -- sorry).

That said, it can be useful to provide some benchmarks for candidates, so they'll know if they are likely to succeed. It would be helpful if you have:

A degree in computer science or related disciplines (physics, operations research, and some economics cover this), or in social science program (e.g., political science) with a strong computational element.
Significant experience and training in structured programming (i.e. OOP): 3-7 years.
At least two years of practical experience in Python, since that is our preferred language.
Practical experience in software design and architecture: how to efficiently and clearly organize concepts across tens to hundreds of thousands of lines of code
Experience in scientific visualization.
Experience in agent-based modeling, system dynamics and other techniques, are also helpful. We use a hybrid approach.
Experience in computational optimization and with digital twins is very useful, but rare.
A strong interest in behavioral economics, behavioral science, and/or psychology.
Ability to adopt new technologies effectively and quickly.
Fluency in English is required; Spanish is a strong plus.

But again, if you can get it done, none of those requirements matter.

What to expect:

We've worked in small and large firms, start-ups and established companies, and we are deliberate about the kind of work culture we want to build. Specifically, that culture is:

Motivated by our work and impact: At sistemaFutura, we care about impact and innovation, not egos or hierarchy. So you'll be a part of a highly motivated, nerdy team excited about developing new methodologies for the nascent field of behavioral systems and delivering social impact