BACKGROUND

The National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) (http://nescent.org) seeks a user interface / user experience designer as a member of our Informatics team. NESCent is an NSF-funded research center dedicated to cross-disciplinary research in evolutionary science. The Informatics team at NESCent, in collaboration with domain scientists, develops new methods for assembly, analysis, visualization and sharing of heterogeneous data types in evolutionary biology. We are committed to open data, open source software and to expanding the user and developer communities in evolutionary informatics.

This position is split approximately equally between direct support of NESCent resident / visiting scholars and externally-funded projects, primarily Dryad (http://datadryad.org). Dryad is a rapidly growing disciplinary data archive for the basic and applied biosciences that fills a critical need: disseminating the data underlying results reported in the scientific literature, enabling validation and reuse by other researchers and educators.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will design and develop user interfaces and visualizations for databases and other software tools for sponsored scientists and staff; participate in various aspects of the software development process, including requirements gathering, designing mockups and wireframes, and formal usability testing; and will work within the Center's informatics team, alongside other software developers and system support staff, and also collaborate directly with visiting / resident scientists and Center staff. There will be opportunities to present work at conferences; to contribute to publications with scientific collaborators; and for professional development.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's level education. Professional experience with design and development of user interfaces for non-technical users, including requirements gathering, prototyping and testing. Proven ability to create gorgeous interfaces for complex applications that users love, not loath.

PREFERENCES

Experience with biological data, data visualization, dynamic and interactive web technologies, formal usability testing, graphic design and user experience-centered interface design.

TERMS

This is a full time position.

LOCALE

Durham, North Carolina, USA

COMPENSATION

The designer will be an employee of Duke University, and be entitled to Duke's generous benefits. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a CV, cover letter, and samples to Dr. Karen Cranston, Informatics Project Manager (karen.cranston[at]nescent.org). Informal inquiries welcome.

DEADLINE

Position will remain open until filled, but review of applications will begin August 6.