Web Designer

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) is an 8-meter telescope being built in Chile and operated out of the Tucson, Arizona headquarters. The Education and Public Outreach team is a small, interdisciplinary group of astronomers, writers, educators, and developers dedicated to engaging a broad audience with data-rich web apps that explore astronomy concepts through interactive, interesting, and engaging activities.

As a member of our team, you will primarily collaborate on:

• Creating a website that features news about LSST discoveries, profiles of LSST scientists and engineers and their work, providing data-driven, online investigations for students in advanced middle school through college, and providing non-specialists with online opportunities to explore LSST science data. It will be mobile-first, fully Accessible, and support internationalization.

You will also have the opportunity to contribute to:

• LSST’s long-term public outreach priorities.
• Static and interactive graphics for use in presentations, conferences, and exhibits.
• The overall look and feel of our public-facing materials.
• Identifying and developing design strategies that will help us engage with diverse communities.
• Maintaining brand consistency and supporting a brand strategy throughout all marketing materials.

Opportunities:

This unique role, to help build the core identity of a major astronomy facility at an early stage, is a once-in-a-lifetime and career-defining opportunity. Thoughtful design is often absent from science education development, and other presentations of scientific data. The Education and Public Outreach team will upset that status quo, making LSST data, and astronomy concepts, accessible to a diverse audience of non-specialists. You will work most directly with our web developers and data-scientists, but you will also collaborate closely with our team's educators, technical writers, and astronomers.

About you:

A strong candidate would bring initiative and ownership to the design of our website and products. This role requires team collaboration, effective communication, and empathy with people's experiences and processes.

Here are some qualities that could make a great candidate:

• Demonstrated experience with web design. Graphic design is a bonus.
• Professional experience developing and implementing creative strategies that consistently meet or exceed strategic objectives.
• An ability to create original designs using Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch, Figma, or InVision.
• Strong knowledge of current technologies and commitment to remain up to date with industry best practices and emerging technologies.
• Strong empathy with the User, an interest in Universal Design and Web Accessibility.
• Agile work experience is a plus, but not required.
• English language proficiency is essential and Spanish/English bilingual skills are a plus. Additional languages – even better.
• Interest in science and online education is a plus, but not required.
• If you know astronomy, great, if not, you’re our primary demographic!

Don’t stress the details. Above all, we are looking for someone enthusiastic with a desire to learn and experiment in a highly supportive and collaborative environment.

The position is expected to last through construction (concluding late 2022) with the opportunity for extension. Our preference is for this position to be based in Tucson for at least the first year. There is opportunity for flexible hours and part-time working arrangements.

Submission materials: Please include a cover letter, a CV or resume, and a link to your portfolio website. Also, please list 3 professional references who will only be contacted during the late stages of the interview process. Address any questions to: [email protected]

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and four international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the Gemini Observatory, the National Optical Astronomical Observatory, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA.

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws.

Preference granted to qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at [email protected]