Web Developer, Kinder Institute for Urban Research

Rice University•Houston, TX

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research is seeking a full-time Web Developer to assist in the creation and maintenance of websites for the Kinder Institute. The selected candidate will be responsible for the design, build, and implementation of new, high-quality, high-performance web-based applications and tools that maximally leverage available technology infrastructure. This position will primarily work on front-end processes and is expected to have a strong UX/UI background, but should possess some back-end knowledge and skills, or be willing to develop them.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Two or more (2+) years of experience in web development
Programming skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python
Experience with JavaScript frameworks (especially VueJS, ReactJS)
Experience with backend APIs/HTTP web services and working with JSON or XML formatted data
Experience with GitHub and version control
General understanding of the Agile methodology
General understanding of Information Security and Privacy risks and the methods to mitigate those risks
Proven ability to meet multiple deadlines and priorities, working on a team or independently
Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and adaptable to change
Excellent Communication and Interpersonal skills

Nice To Haves

In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, information systems, or related technical discipline
Experience with Amazon Web Services (especially serverless services; DynamoDB, S3, CloudCloudFront, Lambda)
Experience with creating a custom CSS theme library using Tailwind, Sass, or vanilla CSS
Experience with ArcGIS Online, Experience builder, ArcGIS StoryMap, and ArcGIS Survey123
Experience with web survey concepts and technology (e.g., Qualtrics)
Experience with data visualization software and packages (e.g., Tableau, PowerBI, MapLibre, etc.)
Experience with relational and non-relational databases
Experience with containerized applications
Knowledge of data pipeline, ETL process
Experience with the responsible use of Agentic AI in web development
Experience with Drupal and Content Management

Responsibilities

Develops web pages and tools for Rice websites using core technologies
Develops and/or modifies clean, well-structured, search engine optimization-friendly, documented code
Designs and builds new, high-quality, high-performance web-based applications and tools
Performs selected website administration duties for existing clients
Evaluates third-party modules for functionality, accessibility, security, and maintainability
Ensures web server and site technical performance
Provides technical expertise in front- and back-end web development
Supports web infrastructure by providing end-user support, application maintenance, product evaluation, back-end development, and internal management tools
Interprets website design and layout visually in a creative, contemporary style and fully integrated manner
Ensures high quality and consistent look and feel across multiple devices and browsers
Works with site architects to develop and document functional specifications based on requirements gathered from stakeholders
Supports the implementation of application life cycle
Performs all other duties as assigned
Primary developer for various smaller websites for specific research projects. These are often dashboard-like sites.
Participates in requirements gathering sessions; work with other team members and stakeholders to clarify requirements
Participate in the development of test scripts for websites and/or web-based applications
Perform testing for websites and/or web-based applications
Provides UI/UX advice to stakeholders
Provides technical advice and support for web-based visualization
Creates web scraping scripts