Web Applications Developer, NYPL Labs

Full-time, in Manhattan (original posting)

Position Description:

External Overview:

The New York Public Library seeks a talented web applications developer to join the Library's new research and development unit, NYPL Labs. We are looking for someone who is willing to experiment, able to build, test and debug in rapid iterations, and excited to join the intellectual life of NYPL and the wider digital humanities and creative tech community.

Work will be situated in midtown Manhattan within NYPL's larger web group, but will be focused on projects that break new ground in digital humanities research and/or facilitate new forms of networked participation in library activity. Projects may range from building crowdsourcing tools for enhancing library collections, rethinking established genres such as archival finding aids, or developing multi-modal (potentially cross-institutional) digital archives of special collections material.Some projects will be proof-of-concept prototypes aimed at hatching ideas that might eventually be applied more broadly across the Library. Others will be fully realized applications that become staple resources in the NYPL web environment. All will place you at the intersection of scholarly, library and technological innovation taking place at one of the worlds great public research institutions. Tapped into one of the worlds largest and most creatively dynamic urban populations.
External Responsibilities:

We are seeking a developer who can:

• Design and implement scalable, optimized, database-driven web applications using server and client-side techniques.
• Work with our User Experience Designers to adapt existing and create new software-based solutions to support the needs of our patrons.
• Specify and build APIs, data feeds and other ways of interacting with NYPL content beyond web-based interfaces.
• Explore new platforms and architectures for NYPL services and content.
• Keep up to date with the latest trends in both web technology and digital libraries/digital humanities, and participate in a community of fellow practitioners.
• Perform other related duties as required

External Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Excellent knowledge of databased-driven web development using PHP and Javascript.
• Demonstrated experience working with web-based content management systems, including familiarity with database programming (MySQL preferred), user accounts and session management.
• Preferred or desired experience in Ruby on Rails or other MVC framework.
• Preferred or desired experience with Drupal or equivalent CMS.
• Experience with front-end development (CSS, XHTML, JQuery, etc.) preferred.
• Knowledge of source code/version control software, test-driven development, and Agile processes are a major plus.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work collaboratively or independently.
• Ability to take initiative and meet deadlines.
• Position will report to web development team of the NYPL Strategy Office, under the Senior Manager for Web Initiatives, and will work closely day to day with Manager of NYPL Labs.