Web Application Developer and Content Specialist

University of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Full-time

Remote - Chicago, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Institute for Mathematical and Statistical Innovation (IMSI) at the University of Chicago is seeking a Web Application Developer and Content Specialist. This role is pivotal in developing highly functional and secure web applications for the Institute, which is an NSF-funded mathematical sciences research institute. The position involves a variety of responsibilities, including database design, middleware development, application performance optimization, and code maintenance. The Web Application Developer will also play a crucial role in supporting IMSI's communications and outreach efforts by creating and editing digital media. This position offers a partially remote work schedule, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. As part of the responsibilities, the developer will be tasked with developing and maintaining the Institute's web applications. This includes assisting in the design and evaluation of project plans, functional requirements, and wireframes to ensure technical viability. The role requires modifying, customizing, and maintaining the IMSI website using WordPress programming. Additionally, the developer will design databases and webpages on new or existing web applications, developing middleware where appropriate. Adherence to coding guidelines, including style and security protocols, is essential. The developer will also participate in functional testing and security reviews, ensuring that the applications meet evolving standards and support users as necessary. The position requires a commitment to staying updated with current web standards, technologies, and trends through ongoing training and research. The developer will contribute to the evolution of departmental standards and coding guidelines, and will be responsible for training office staff on the use of websites and other tools. Other duties include coordinating special projects, adding content to the website, researching and analyzing data to create reports, and resolving day-to-day technical problems. The role may also involve collaboration with other developers and responding to user requests, ensuring a high level of service and support.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Institute web applications by assisting in the design and evaluation of project plans, functional requirements, and wireframes for technical viability.
• Modify, customize, and maintain the IMSI website, using WordPress programming.
• Design databases and webpages in the appropriate programming platform on new web applications and/or existing web applications, developing middleware where appropriate.
• Follow coding guidelines, including style and security guidelines.
• Participate in functional testing and security reviewing.
• Support and maintain existing web applications.
• Ensure that sites continue to meet evolving standards.
• Support clients and users as necessary.
• Contribute to the evolution of web standards and procedures at the University by maintaining a high level of knowledge of current web standards, technologies, and trends through training and research.
• Contribute to the evolution of departmental standards and coding guidelines followed by the programming team, tools, and project process.
• Responsible for training office staff on the use of websites and other tools.
• Coordinates special projects.
• Adds content to the website.
• Researches and analyzes data to create reports.
• Investigates and resolves day-to-day technical problems using standard procedures.
• Works with developers and responds to requests from users.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
• Knowledge and skills developed through less than 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field.
• Minimum of three years of professional programming and testing experience with WordPress, PHP, and JavaScript.
• Experience with Object Oriented Programming, particularly in PHP.
• Work samples, preferably in an online portfolio.
• Data modeling or database design experience.
• Experience developing in WordPress.
• Experience designing and coding web and/or native apps for mobile environments.
• Professional experience within a higher education environment.