The Institute for Wild Problems is looking for a full stack developer to develop digital data-based tools to tackle society's biggest challenges

The Institute for Wicked Problems is a think tank that creates new solutions to the most complex and cross-border problems of our time. We work across sectors of society and collaborate with research environments such as Oxford, University of Copenhagen and DTU, and open-source communities such as the Danish Data Science Community to develop tools for society to strengthen our understanding and datafication of wild problems - from the climate crisis, ill-being and labor market challenges to responsible AI and future welfare.

We have spent the last year developing a 'Wild Problem Model' that, among other things, uses language models to make sense of large amounts of qualitative data from the people who experience a given problem first-hand on a daily basis.

In the coming year, we will focus even more on developing digital open-source tools, and the visions are big! We will rethink the possibilities for social actors to scale qualitative data collection (e.g. with speech-to-text technology and AI-powered conversational interfaces) and build interactive dashboards that make data on wild problems accessible for stakeholders to interact with when making tough decisions.

And we need someone just like you to create democratizing data tools. We are therefore looking for a full stack developer to strengthen and drive the development of new web-based data tools in the think tank - in collaboration with the analysis team and the rest of INVI.

YOUR ROLE

As a full stack developer, you will be a key player in developing digital tools and data infrastructures that translate complex problems into usable solutions. You will be responsible for:

  • Develop tools across front-end, back-end and UI/UX design.

  • Project-led development programs involving interdisciplinary collaborations with experts, researchers and skilled professionals from the Danish data science community.

  • Design and test prototypes that enable complex societal problems to be datafied and analyzed in new ways.

  • Ensure high quality code, documentation and user experience while building robust systems that can scale and evolve.

In addition, you may also be involved in developing INVI's website, which will be completely redesigned in the coming year, as well as being involved in the development of the Wild Problem Model and its use of AI.

YOUR PROFILE

We imagine that you:

  • Have at least 2 years of experience as a full stack developer - maybe from a tech company, design agency, or other. Or maybe from research - from the humanities, social sciences, or technical subjects.

  • Have basic knowledge of data science frameworks such as Pandas, NumPy, and D3.js, or other packages for data analysis and data visualization.

  • Experience in designing intuitive user interfaces and developing highly functional data systems. This includes usability testing and design thinking processes and the ability to use Figma, Adobe XD, or similar programs to create prototypes.

  • Thrives in the role of both executive developer and project manager, bringing together disciplines and coordinating complex development processes.

  • Experience with open-source tool development and the ability to engage in and lead collaborations with other stakeholders on joint development projects.

  • Independent and responsible with a basic understanding of cybersecurity, implementing secure code, and version control.

- You can think strategically about developing system architectures and understand how to leverage the right APIs and AI tools.

In addition, it's an advantage if you enjoy working with people from completely different disciplines and have an understanding of - and interest in - working with data and tool development in relation to societal challenges and politics.

ABOUT US

Do you feel that politicians formulate lots of plans and projects, but change often fails to happen? You're far from alone in that feeling. A lot can be solved with existing tools, but if we are to be more successful in tackling complex problems, new data-driven approaches are urgently needed. This is where INVI comes in.

We are designing the new toolbox for today's wild social problems. These are problems that transcend borders and are stubborn. Just think of climate change, unhappiness or the lack of hands in the labor market. They are all wild problems, and they often require new approaches. At the Think Tank, we work closely with ministries, municipalities, foundations and civil society to tackle the root of the wild problem - with tools we develop in collaboration with the best researchers and data scientists.

INVI's new Wild Problem Model is one main vein in our approach to problem solving, but we're developing a wide range of other tools to tie the front and back doors of democracy together. And this is where you come in!

INVI is a think tank with an entrepreneurial spirit and high ambitions. In a short time, we have created a strong platform for change and innovation with support from foundations, public actors and civil society. We are located in The Yellow Farm in the heart of Copenhagen - a dynamic environment where collaboration and creativity are in focus.  

We offer:

  • A unique opportunity to work with tool development in relation to society's most important agendas and in interaction with some of the most interesting players within ai, data science, and digital tool development. 

  • A flexible and inspiring workplace with high ceilings and an inspiring group of colleagues who are each the best in their field.

  • A strong social community with Friday bars and joint events.

  • A work culture where we share mistakes and victories and motivate each other to take chances and push the bar of what's possible.

 

PRACTICAL

Application deadline: Sunday March 23, 2025, but interviews will be held on an ongoing basis. Tests will be part of the selection process.

Send your application and CV to Director Sigge Winther and Head of Secretariat Janne Bram Hemphrey at invi@invi.nu and write "tool developer" in the subject field.  

We expect to start on May 1, 2025.

Do you want to help develop solutions to society's most intractable problems? Then apply for a developer position at the Institute for Wicked Problems!

We look forward to receiving your application.