Web Application Developer (Digital Scholarship & Publishing Support)
The University of Iowa Libraries is seeking to hire a Web Application Developer (Digital Scholarship & Publishing Support) (PIA2/4B) in our Libraries Information Technology (LIT) department. Reporting to the Application Development lead in LIT, the Web Application Developer supports the design, development, maintenance, and modernization of custom web applications that support research, teaching, and digital scholarship across the University of Iowa. The position works in close partnership with the Research Manager in the Digital Scholarship and Publishing Studio, who serves as Product Owner and Business Analyst, providing research context, requirements definition, and stakeholder coordination. The Web Application Developer contributes technical expertise to the implementation of scalable, maintainable web solutions and complements the GIS Specialist role by focusing on general-purpose web application development rather than geospatial systems. The position receives guidance and mentorship from the Application Development lead to ensure adherence to development best practices, institutional standards, and sustainable approaches to software design.
Specific responsibilities include:
Supporting the development, enhancement, and maintenance of custom web applications for faculty scholarship and publishing projects.
Implementing and supporting content management systems and frameworks commonly used in library and digital publishing contexts, such as Omeka and other open-source platforms.
Maintaining, updating, and modernizing existing applications, including refactoring or migrating legacy solutions to current, supported frameworks.
Contributing to system analysis and technical design activities based on requirements defined by the Research Manager and project stakeholders.
Applying established development standards, tools, and frameworks in collaboration with the Application Development lead.
Writing, testing, debugging, and documenting application code using approved languages, libraries, and development tools.
Providing second- and third-tier technical support for digital scholarship and publishing web applications and services.
Collaborating with the GIS Specialist, application developers, and other LIT staff to support integrated project delivery.
Collaborating with campus partners and research stakeholders, as appropriate, to support web-based scholarly communication projects.
Communicating technical concepts, progress, and issues to stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise.
Staying current with emerging web application frameworks, tools, and best practices relevant to digital scholarship and academic publishing.
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
This position is eligible for on-campus and/or hybrid work arrangements within the state of Iowa, with the majority of work time being on campus, and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, digital humanities, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Experience (typically 2 years or more) developing or maintaining web applications using modern web technologies.
Familiarity with content management systems or web frameworks, particularly in library or academic publishing contexts.
Ability to work collaboratively in a consultative, team-based development environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Desirable Qualifications:
Experience working with open-source CMS platforms such as Omeka, WordPress, or Drupal.
Familiarity with maintaining or modernizing legacy applications.
Experience supporting scholarly publishing digital projects.
Exposure to version control systems and collaborative development workflows (e.g., Git).
Experience working within a team-based software development environment, including receiving technical guidance or mentorship and applying established development standards.
Demonstrated interest in building scalable, maintainable, and sustainable software solutions.
Application Details:
In order to be considered, applicants must upload the following materials and mark them as “Relevant File” to the submission:
Resume
Cover letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For questions or additional information, please contact melanie-bell@uiowa.edu.
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
