Web Applications Developer

 

	Organization	AIMS-NEI Secretariat
	Position Title	Web Applications Developer
	Reporting To	Director of Academic Development
	Category	IT Infrastructure, Scientific development
	Status	Staff position
	Duty Station	Cape Town, South Africa

 

Download the advertisement here (PDF, 400KB)

 

SUMMARY

The Web Applications Developer is expected to create number of web-based academic processes, which will be released open source as plugins / web applications. The Web Applications Developer is also expected create web-based scientific tools, which are envisaged to innovate the way science is done in Africa and beyond. Those tools are also expected to be released open source.  Some mobile development is also considered.

The position entails some travel and presents the opportunity to take part in relevant professional workshops/conferences.

The tasks of the Web Applications Developer include:

• Develop a new AIMS-NEI website structure in collaboration with the IT team at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Canada (incl. Drupal plugin development).
• Contribute to the strategic decision making of IT platforms.
• Develop a central database for applicants, students, tutors and alumni.
• Develop web front ends and applications using the database.
• Implement a digital library system for the network of centres.
• Develop web-based tools for research and scientific communication in close collaboration with scientists.
• Maintain the web applications above and train staff.
• Set up and maintain the Secretariat’s IT platform.

 

REPORTING STRUCTURE

The Web Applications Developer forms part of the management staff of AIMS-NEI. The Web Applications Developer reports directly to the Director of Academic Development and has direct work relations with the Communications Officer and other members of the team, as well as the Cosmology group of the AIMS Research Centre.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS (Percentages are there as an indication. Certain areas will require more time at certain times and other less.)

Job Responsibility #1:  CENTRAL AIMS-NEI DATABASE

(% of Time: 20) 

• Develop a database for applicants, students, tutors, lecturers and other academic members of the AIMS centres
• Chose a suitable DB technology based on the needs of the programme.

Job Responsibility #2: AIMS-NEI WEBSITE STRUCTURE 

(% of Time: 50)

• Develop a new AIMS-NEI website using Drupal, including template websites for new AIMS centres using Aegir
• Develop Drupal plugins to access the central database for centralised student, lecturer and tutor recruitment and the distributed management thereof
• Develop Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media apps to stay in touch with AIMS alumni
• Select the optimal backed-up/mirrored web- and DB- hosting services.
• Maintain and train staff on the use of the websites and database
• Report on site traffic and web applications usage.

Job Responsibility #3: SECRETARIAT IT PLATFORM

(% of Time: 5)

• Design and deploy a file server and backup system for the secretariat (< 10 people).
• Maintain the platform.

Job Responsibility #4: SCIENTIFIC SERVICES

(% of Time: 25)

• Set up and deploy a digital library system for the AIMS Centres (Invenio).
• Develop online science tools in collaboration with scientists, including visualization tools, scientific data access APIs, scientific mashups, etc.

 

After key web applications are developed and deployed, we will look into developing mobile apps to complement the web apps (e.g. automated student application update apps with push notifications, etc.)  New initiatives and ideas will be strongly encouraged: innovation plays a big role in the success of these tools. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• A professional qualification in web development or related field

Work Experience

• Several years web application development experience, including a portfolio
• Experience working with Open Source software
• Experience deploying content management systems
• Experience with database design and abstraction, LAMP, and web frameworks
• Experience with XML web services

Competencies/personal attributes  

• Enthusiasm and open-mindedness
• Capacity to work independently and under strict deadlines
• Capacity to own a project from design stages to production deployment
• Initiative taking and creative development (hacker spirit)

Knowledge and skills

• Extensive knowledge of new web- and database technologies
• Some design skills (the sites will be designed with the help of a professional graphical designer)
• Some data analysis skills for traffic and apps use analytics

 

KEY CONTACTS 

Internal contacts

• Director of Academic Development
• Other members of the AIMS-NEI Secretariat

External contacts

• IT team at the Perimeter Institute, Canada
• Related professional networks

 

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 15 November 2011 or until the position is filled

COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES:  As soon as possible thereafter

REMUNERATION: The remuneration package, including benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The initial post is expected to be on a full-time contract position for 2 years. AIMS-NEI is an equal opportunity employer.

ENQUIRIES:  Dr Carolina Ödman-Govender, AIMS-NEI on c.odman@nexteinstein.org

 

Prospective candidates must submit a letter of motivation and detailed CV, together with the names of at least two referees to: Dr C. Ödman-Govender, AIMS-NEI, 6 Melrose Road, Muizenberg, 7945, or electronically to c.odman@nexteinstein.org. 

 

Should no feedback be received from AIMS-NEI within four weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.