Applications Developer - Programmable Cloud Laboratory Initiative (Materials Research Institute)

Penn State University•University Park, IL

35d•$81,312 - $137,280•Hybrid

About The Position

The Materials Research Institute (MRI) at Penn State University seeks an Applications Developer to develop user-facing software for a new Programmable Cloud Laboratory initiative funded by the National Science Foundation. This position will be filled at the Applications Developer - Advanced Professional OR Senior Professional level. The initiative will build upon existing scientific instrumentation and research infrastructure in MRI core facilities to provide researchers with secure remote access to experimental capabilities, data, and AI-enabled tools. The Applications Developer will develop the Cloud Lab Command Center and related web-based applications through which researchers interact with the facility. The Command Center will provide an integrated suite of tools for learning about instrument capabilities, configuring and submitting workflows, monitoring progress, viewing data as it is generated, analyzing results, and collaborating with other researchers. The position has a strong front-end focus, requiring close collaboration with scientists, facility staff, and backend developers to translate complex experimental processes into intuitive, reliable, and accessible digital experiences. This is a hands-on development role with ownership of features and product outcomes. As an early member of the Cloud Lab development team, the developer will contribute to software development practices, design standards, and release processes. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in an evolving research environment, learning new technologies as needed, and balancing rapid iteration with the reliability, security, and maintainability expected of a national research resource.

Requirements

Demonstrated strong problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills.
Extensive experience developing rich, interactive web applications and dashboards using JavaScript/TypeScript and React or comparable frameworks.
Experience with data visualization libraries.
Experience with implementation of responsive design.
Experience with web-based data services.
Experience with REST APIs for interactive web applications and dashboards.
Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience (for Advanced Professional level).
Bachelor's Degree and 6+ years of relevant experience (for Senior Professional level).
Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
Authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with front-end testing frameworks and automated testing practices.
Familiarity with UX/UI principles and user-centered design.
Experience in Agile or iterative software-development environments.
Familiarity with scientific software, research environments, or laboratory systems.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, test, and maintain responsive web applications for the Cloud Lab Command Center.
Build interfaces for experiment design, workflow configuration, collaboration, and reporting.
Develop reusable, accessible, and well-documented UI components.
Gather requirements and optimize user experiences through collaboration with researchers, facility staff, and software developers.
Use user feedback and iterative development practices to refine features and improve usability.
Work closely with backend developers to integrate front-end applications with APIs and data services.
Consume REST APIs and real-time data streams to provide timely information and updates.
Support application troubleshooting, quality assurance, and release activities.