Web Developer

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) is seeking a Web Developer with experience in data visualization for our Education and Public Outreach team. A strong candidate would bring initiative and ownership to the development of our products. We will be especially enthusiastic about candidates with multifaceted skill sets, a familiarity with modern web development tools, and experience with data visualization. If you’re a great visual designer who can think in code, or a web developer with an eye for design, we would love to meet you.

About Us:

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, designers, and developers building data visualizations for students and the general public. Our goal is to make LSST data, astronomy, and science interesting and accessible to a broad audience.

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

• A collection of data-rich educational astronomy/cosmology web apps

You will also have the opportunity to contribute to:

• the public website for LSST
• LSST’s long-term public outreach priorities
• static and interactive graphics
• the overall look and feel of our public-facing materials

 

Challenges: 

There are a few challenges in presenting LSST science to different types of audiences. Historically, design thinking has not been incorporated in science education development or presenting scientific data, which has made it less accessible to non-specialists. We aim to change this. As a result, you will be working with team members from a variety of professional backgrounds. This role requires more team collaboration, effective communication, and empathy with people's experience and processes than at your typical startup or corporation.

 

About you: 

This role is fluid by design. A strong candidate would bring initiative and ownership to the development of our products. If you’re a great visual designer who can think in code, or a web developer with an eye for design, we would love to meet you. You will collaborate on improving our frontend architecture, contribute to a growing library of reusable components and styles, participate in regular code reviews, and will be invited to have a strong voice in all matters related to our codebase and web design. You will work closely with every member of the Education and Public Outreach team, but you will work most directly with one other full-time web developer and a data-scientist. We will continue to expand our team to include a designer and another developer in the next year. Here are some qualities that could make a great candidate:

• 3-5 years of experience as a web developer with at least some focus on the frontend (Agile work experience is a plus)
• Experience with React, SCSS, and Webpack (static site generators or PWAs is a plus)
• Experience with D3 and Three.js (or other data visualization, animation, or WebGL libraries)
• UX chops and a general ability to design for humans, as well as an ability to effectively communicate UX
• Strong empathy with the User, an interest in Universal Design and Web Accessibility 
• Experience working and prototyping with Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch, Figma, or Webflow
• Experience with git and GitHub. We’re open source 
• Interest in science and online education
• If you know astronomy, great, if not you’re our target 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 CV or resume, a cover letter, and a link to your portfolio or GitHub. 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 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, the Space Telescope Science Institute, and the construction of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope.

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.asp

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]