Careers at Virginia Tech

Reporting to the Digital Libraries Product Manager, the UI/UX Developer plays a pivotal role in steering the evolution of the University Libraries’ online digital services, blending technical expertise with a profound understanding of user-centered design. The role demands a candidate adept in Human-Centered Design (HCD), capable of delving deeply into the user experience to develop intuitive, accessible, and integrated digital solutions. The UI/UX Developer position is central to the continual improvement of the Digital Libraries Platform and will also contribute significantly to a range of other projects including digital library and repository initiatives and the overarching Libraries' website. This role requires a nuanced understanding of UX, ensuring that all digital products align with the complex, dynamic needs, and behaviors of our diverse user community. A strong foundation in web development technologies, along with a proven track record in collaborative projects, is essential. The ideal candidate will exhibit a portfolio that demonstrates impactful contributions across UI/UX and HCD domains, showcasing their ability to innovate in the realm of digital library services. While focused on software development, this position is key to shaping digital experiences that will resonate profoundly with the academic community and advance our mission to provide leading-edge, user-centric digital library services. While situated within the Digital Libraries and Preservation unit, this position will engage and collaborate with the University Libraries Strategic Communications team to ensure that all our digital interfaces exhibit a consistent brand identity, aligning with the broader vision and messaging of the University Libraries.

Responsibilities:
-Drive efforts to create a unified and engaging online experience across all library platforms,
ensuring user-centric design principles are at the forefront.
-Take charge of planning, designing, and implementing collaborative projects that enhance the
library's web presence and online services, focusing on innovation and user engagement.
-Develop and maintain clean, reusable, and optimized HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code libraries, ensuring high standards of maintainability and performance.
-Vigilantly ensure all library web services adhere to accessibility guidelines, making our digital
resources inclusive and usable for all patrons.
-Act as a leader in refining workflows, policies, and communication strategies related to library
web services, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
-Manage and disseminate web analytics data across the library, providing insights to inform decision-making and service improvements.
-Work closely with the Strategic Communications Team to develop content, manage user interfaces, and maintain the library's CMS, ensuring consistent brand identity and messaging.
-Stay abreast of emerging technologies in academic library web environments, analyze new trends, and recommend technological advancements in UI/UX design and development.

-Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field.
-Demonstrable experience in UI/UX design and development, particularly in an academic or large-scale organizational setting, validated through project portfolios or case studies illustrating specific projects led or significantly contributed to.
-Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and understanding of responsive and accessible design principles, supported by specific examples of websites or applications developed.
-Strong skills in web development technologies, specifically the React framework, as evidenced by project examples or contributions to projects using React.
-Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with various teams, including software developers, clients, and stakeholders, supported by references or specific instances of successful team projects.
-Excellent communication skills, for effective teamwork and stakeholder engagement, evidenced by presentations, reports, or collaborative projects where communication was key.
-A commitment to staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies in web development and UI/UX design, especially as they pertain to academic libraries, demonstrated through continuous learning achievements, certifications, or attendance at relevant workshops or conferences.
-Strong problem-solving abilities and analytical skills to address complex challenges in UI/UX design and development.

-Proven track record in Human-Centered Design, including conducting user research, usability testing, and implementing user feedback into design improvements.
-Experience with Angular 2 or similar technologies for other significant web projects.
-Experience with or a readiness to learn library-specific APIs, such as the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF).
-Understanding of specific digital library technologies, content management systems, and repository software like DSpace or Fedora.
-Experience with or proficient in using scientific data visualization tools, such as Matplotlib, for creating compelling visual representations of complex data sets.
-Basic knowledge of data analysis and experience with web analytics tools like Google Analytics for informing UI/UX decisions.
-Advanced understanding of web accessibility standards and practices to ensure all digital services are inclusive and accessible to a diverse user base.
-Working knowledge of managing a large collection of web pages and ensuring consistent appearance, branding and functionality across different browsers and systems.
-Involvement in professional organizations or communities related to UI/UX, web development, or digital libraries.

Appointment Type

Regular, A/P Faculty, Lecturer

$75,000 minimum based on qualifications and experience

November 25, 2024

• The application package needs to include a resume, cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience with the responsibilities associated with the position, and the required and preferred qualifications, and the names of three(3) references and their contact information.
• A link to your portfolio showcasing your UI/UX design work is REQUIRED as part of your application. We are looking for examples that highlight your experience with user-centered design, visual design, and development skills. Your portfolio should include project descriptions, your role in each project, tools and technologies used, and, if possible, measurable outcomes or impact. The portfolio is a requirement for this application.
• Work Location: Blacksburg, VA (possible occasional travel to other Virginia Tech campuses or locations, such as Roanoke, the National Capital Region, or agricultural extension locations)
• The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

   The University Libraries at Virginia Tech is committed to building a culturally diverse community and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities. We are committed to mentoring and establishing safe spaces, both physical and virtual, where employees from current and historically minoritized groups can thrive.
   The members of the University Libraries at Virginia Tech strive individually and collectively to create, sustain, and share inclusive ways of knowing in conscientious community with each other and all the people we serve in every space we shape. In keeping with our Aspirational Identity and the Virginia Tech Principles of Community, the University Libraries commits to build and maintain enduring climates of mutual care, respect, and responsibility.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.