Senior Software Engineer, Full-stack

About Us

Academia.edu is a venture-backed, for-profit, and profitable company based in San Francisco. We are recognized as the world’s leading platform for researchers and scholars to share work, discover research, and connect with academics globally. Our bold vision is to democratize and accelerate the world's research, enhancing the speed of scientific discovery and technological progress for the benefit of everyone. We imagine a world where accessing academic papers is effortless, keeping track of cutting‑edge research is seamless and collaborating with researchers is easier than ever before. Our platform empowers millions of scholars worldwide to push the boundaries of human understanding. We believe in the power of knowledge to change lives and the world, and our commitment to this mission drives everything we do.

Join us as we continue to redefine what's possible in the world of research. Discover careers that challenge, inspire and propel you toward a future where your ideas can truly change the world. At Academia.edu, we're not just shaping the future of research—we're shaping the future of possibilities.

Please note that this role is in the San Francisco Bay Area.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for Senior Software Engineers who love moving with urgency, learning through iteration, and shipping fast to gather real user feedback rather than overdesigning. You’re a self‑directed problem solver who proactively finds answers, communicates clearly across disciplines, and collaborates fluidly with anyone needed to get the job done. Grounded in 80 / 20 judgment and optimism, you focus on what matters most, delivering high‑impact results quickly and improving through continuous learning.

Your skillset

• Excellent coding habits and attention to detail.
• Sharp analytical mindset with a knack for solving complex problems.
• Excels at rapid prototyping, building products from 0 to 1, fast.
• Strong user empathy and product mindset.
• Ability to solve problems autonomously with a large variety of stakeholders and partners.
• Strong business and product acumen.
• Understanding of LLMs and their limitations.
• Professional level of coding proficiency with one of the following : Ruby, Python, or Node.js + Javascript or Node.js + Typescript. Must be willing to learn / work with the Ruby on Rails stack.

Our Tech Stack

What you’ll work on

Our goal is to automate science by building a co‑scientist to help academics in key tasks with tools like :

What impact will you have?

Compensation

The total cash compensation for this role is targeted at $160,000 to $220,000 USD for the first year. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.

Benefits

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage : 100% employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.

Generous Time Off : 21 paid vacation days, 12 paid company holidays, and unlimited sick days; paid parental leave and other leaves for life’s needs; 6‑week paid sabbatical every 4 years.

Flexible Work Arrangements : Flexible daily schedules within a hybrid work environment, annual remote‑office budget, and monthly WFH internet stipend.

Competitive Compensation : Competitive salary, 401k plan, and stock options.

Mission‑Driven Company : Join a mission‑driven company to accelerate and democratize the world’s research.

Academia is a proud equal‑opportunity employer and we are committed to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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