Research Informatics Developer
Research Informatics Developer
Life Span Institute, University of Kansas Juniper Gardens Children's Project
Position Description
Juniper Gardens Children's Project (JGCP) is a community based research center affiliated with the University of Kansas and based in Kansas City, KS. We are seeking a full-time application developer to assist in the design, development, and maintenance of web and mobile applications. Existing applications at JGCP include learning management systems, web apps that support management of child assessment data, graphing, reporting, and data-driven decision making, and mobile apps to support parent-teacher communication and student self-management.
The programmer will develop new applications and maintain existing applications under direct supervision of JGCP's lead developer and the Technology Innovation Development and Research (TIDR) lab director. Application development must consider 1) project needs, 2) best practices in software design, 3) usability and accessibility needs of the user population, 4) scalability and 5) knowledge of existing and emerging technologies.
This position requires the ability to work both independently and with a team, quickly develop new programming skills, and maintain strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. The candidate must be prepared to provide information about a web or mobile application that he/she developed, or helped develop, and a clear description of their role in developing the application.
The position is located in Kansas City, Kansas in the Children's Campus of Kansas City Building, 444 Minnesota Ave, Suite 300, Kansas City KS 66101. Continuation is dependent on annual funding and satisfactory annual evaluations. Please note that all offers of employment are contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.
Job Responsibilities:
- 65% - Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot web and mobile web applications based on project-specific needs under supervision while continuously seeking methods for automation, efficiency, and maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and security with respect to JGCP data and information. Collaborate with the TIDR Lab team to follow-up with requests for revisions in a timely manner.
- 25% - Develop existing and new programming skills through ongoing supervision and feedback from the lead programmer, and participating in regular code reviews and developer meetings.
- 5% - Take initiative and responsibility for understanding the software development landscape. This may include analyzing trends, emerging issues, and best practices, reading trade journals, participating in discussion groups and/or professional social media, attending conferences/workshops, and completing required training.
- 5% - Work with TIDR Lab colleagues to support the JGCP technology infrastructure. This includes troubleshooting network problems related to web resources, assisting in office hardware and software upgrades, and troubleshooting individual workstation problems as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- High school/General Education Degree and 3 years related experience OR Associate's degree with 2 years related experience OR Bachelor's degree in field related to discipline.
- Minimum 1 year experience developing web applications using HTML, JavaScript, CSS, PHP, Ruby, or Python, etc.
- Minimum 1 year experience working with relational database management systems (e.g., MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field.
- Minimum 1 year experience developing applications for iOS or Android platforms.
- Links (to be provided in cover letter) to examples of a web application and/or a mobile application that the candidate contributed to, demonstrating the use of web technologies. Login credentials, if applicable, are not required but may be requested later.
- Minimum of 3 years' web development experience
- Minimum 1 year experience developing asynchronous web applications
- Minimum 1 year experience using Ember.js
- Minimum 1 year experience building web APIs
- Minimum 1 year experience using a code version control system (e.g., Git, Mercurial, SVN, etc.)
- Minimum of 1 year experience writing automated software tests (e.g. Acceptance, Integration, Unit)
- Minimum of 2 years' experience deploying and maintaining content management systems or frameworks such as Drupal, Joomla or WordPress.
- Minimum of 2 years' experience developing and maintaining learning management systems such as Moodle or Blackboard.
- Minimum 1 year experience of revising applications based on user feedback from direct observation usability testing and/or user surveys
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills as evidenced by application materials and work experience.
- Excellent record of productivity and performance as demonstrated in work experience.
FTE: 100% Annual Salary: $50,000 to $60,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience. Deadline/Start Date: Review of applications will begin January 18, 2018 and continue until position is filled.
Start Date: When position is filled
Please note that all offers of employment are contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the background check. The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, retaliation, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University's programs and activities