Position Summary:
The Associate Application Developer supports the design, development, testing, implementation, and maintenance of software applications and integrations that enable university business and operational processes. Working within a defined technical domain and under close supervision, this role applies established development standards, tools, and methodologies to complete well-defined assignments while building foundational technical proficiency and professional judgment. The position contributes to application reliability, service quality, user experience, and operational efficiency by producing accurate, maintainable solutions, resolving routine technical issues, and supporting the delivery of secure and dependable technology services.
About the Work Unit:
Vanderbilt University Information Technology is a human-centric organization that advances our university by delivering innovative solutions and frictionless experiences through collaboration.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Application Development & Delivery
- Develops and modifies application components, integrations, and scripts for well-defined assignments using established development standards and practices.
- Completes assigned development tasks within expected timelines while meeting quality, security, and documentation requirements.
- Participates in software testing, deployment, and implementation activities to support successful delivery of application enhancements and fixes.
- Applies established coding conventions and technical standards to produce maintainable and supportable solutions.
- Contributes to team deliverables by consistently delivering accurate work requiring minimal revision.
Analysis & Problem Resolution
- Analyzes routine technical issues using established troubleshooting methods and documented procedures.
- Investigates defects, identifies probable causes, and implements approved solutions under guidance from more experienced team members.
- Reviews functional and technical requirements to support the development of effective application solutions.
- Escalates complex or ambiguous issues appropriately while providing relevant analysis and supporting information.
- Contributes to reducing recurring issues through accurate diagnosis and timely resolution of assigned problems.
Quality, Security & Reliability
- Performs unit testing and supports quality assurance activities to verify application functionality and performance.
- Ensures application changes comply with established security, compliance, and operational standards.
- Validates application functionality following deployments and updates to minimize service disruptions.
- Identifies opportunities to improve application stability, maintainability, and user experience within assigned areas of responsibility.
- Supports efforts to reduce defects, rework, and operational risk through attention to detail and adherence to defined processes.
Documentation & Knowledge Management
- Maintains accurate technical documentation for application configurations, code changes, testing activities, and support procedures.
- Documents troubleshooting findings, solutions, and implementation details to support ongoing service delivery.
- Follows established documentation standards to promote consistency, maintainability, and knowledge sharing.
- Maintains records of completed work to support operational continuity and future enhancements.
Collaboration & Service Support
- Collaborates effectively with developers, analysts, support personnel, and business stakeholders to complete assigned work.
- Participates in team discussions, code reviews, and knowledge-sharing activities to develop technical capabilities and improve outcomes.
- Communicates project status, risks, and issues to team members and supervisors in a timely manner.
- Supports effective handoffs between development, testing, implementation, and support functions.
- Provides responsive technical support and customer-focused service that contributes to positive user experiences.
Working Conditions and Operational Requirements:
Hybrid Work Arrangement:
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, combining on‑campus and remote work. Employees are expected to be on site at least one day per week and for activities that require in‑person presence, such as team collaboration, service delivery, or campus events. Specific on‑site expectations are determined in coordination with the supervisor and must align with departmental needs and institutional policy. Remote work privileges may be revoked at any time.
On-call Responsibilities:
The position includes rotating on-call duties for after-hours incident response and requests.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not include direct supervisory responsibility. The role reports administratively and functionally to the Application Development Manager.
Education and Certifications:
- High school diploma is necessary
- Bachelor’s degree is preferred
Experience and Skills:
- 1-3 years of relevant experience is necessary
- Foundational knowledge of software development principles, programming languages, and application lifecycle practices is necessary
- Ability to analyze routine technical issues and apply established troubleshooting methods to resolve problems is necessary
- Ability to develop, test, and maintain application code while adhering to defined standards and procedures is necessary
- Knowledge of application security, quality assurance, and change management practices is necessary
- Ability to document technical work clearly and maintain accurate development and support records is necessary
- Ability to collaborate effectively with technical and business stakeholders while contributing to team objectives is necessary
- Demonstrated commitment to VUIT’s Guiding Principles is necessary
Information Technology’s Guiding Principles:
- Trust and Respect- VUIT cultivates a community built on trust, mutual respect, and inclusivity, where all members feel valued and supported. We prioritize honesty, dignity, empathy, and a willingness to listen and understand.
- Professionalism- VUIT strives to maintain a culture of maturity, accountability, and integrity to best represent the University and self. Have a sense of humility and poise in your work and daily interactions.
- Collaborate- VUIT commits to being inclusive in solution design where we value sharing within and partnering across the university. We are intentional about including our colleagues and preventing silos.
- Bias-to-Action- VUIT is seen as a changemaker by exhibiting a decisive, self-starter, take-action approach with a willingness to make decisions without excessive deliberation. Personal initiative is recognized as a key part of the creative process.
- Communicate- Communication (written, verbal and non-verbal), within and outside VUIT, is open, thoughtful, welcoming, clear, proactive, concise yet complete, always honest, and delivered kindly.
- Innovate- VUIT pledges to be bold and challenge the status quo by inspiring a culture of creativity that promotes growth and advancement for the university.
- Celebrate Each Other- We are intentional in showing appreciation for the work of others by valuing and acknowledging meaningful contributions at all levels of the organization.
- Optimize- VUIT will practice continuous and thoughtful optimization of our solutions and services to increase our human and technological capacity. Capacity drives innovation.
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.