Web Application Developer

Job Description

The Information School IT department has an outstanding opportunity for a Web Application Developer to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Web Development Technical Manager, the Web Application Developer is responsible for designing, implementing, documenting, maintaining, and testing custom-built web applications, public-facing sites, and packaged system solutions in support of Information School needs. The role collaborates on the management, deployment, security, and performance of web infrastructure and applications, and makes platform and technology recommendations to the Web Development Technical Manager. 

This role is eligible to be a fully remote position. 

Key Responsibilities

Full Stack Web Development (75%)

• Design, build, and maintain full-stack web applications and custom integrations between iSchool systems and third-party platforms, including CMS and external websites.
• Develop and evolve public-facing pages and UI in Drupal - including custom modules, themes, and configurations - to support marketing, communications, and outreach initiatives across the school.
• Architect and manage database schemas, application environments, and CI/CD pipelines using Docker and GitHub Actions to support reliable, scalable deployments.
• Champion code quality through thoughtful code reviews, refactoring, and a robust suite of automated tests including functional and unit testing.
• Ensure all applications meet security, encryption, and access management standards; proactively monitor system performance and logs to maintain reliability and uptime.
• Collaborate on the deployment, scalability, and resilience of the web application stack, including cloud infrastructure, backup strategies, and disaster recovery planning.
• Produce clear technical documentation - including data flow diagrams, process models, and system docs - from project inception through completion.
• Evaluate and leverage LLMs and generative AI tools to accelerate development, improve code quality, and identify emerging opportunities for efficiency gains.

Project Management (20%)

• Lead projects across their full lifecycle - from discovery and build through ongoing maintenance, optimization, and eventual retirement.
• Partner with the Web Development Technical Manager and stakeholders to gather requirements, define scope, propose timelines, and draft technical specifications.
• Serve as a bridge between technical and non-technical audiences, translating complex change requests into clear, actionable development plans.
• Develop and deliver training materials and user support resources, guiding teams through system transitions with a thoughtful change management approach.

Additional Responsibilities (5%)

• Contribute to cross-functional team meetings, school-wide committees, and university initiatives, fostering a collaborative and engaged work environment.
• Pursue ongoing professional development to stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving best practices in web development.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in informatics, computer science, management information systems, or a related technical field.
• Two years of web application development experience with PHP, JavaScript, or another OO language.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Additional Qualifications

• Professional experience with web frameworks and current versions of PHP, JavaScript, and MySQL; deep understanding of HTML, CSS, and web standards.
• Experience with command-line Linux and revision control (Git or similar).
• Strong knowledge of web stacks: installation, support, troubleshooting, security, deployment, and performance monitoring.
• Familiarity with RESTful web services, JS frameworks, and cross-platform/browser compatibility.
• Familiarity with usability practices, UI design, and accessibility (508).
• Ability to deliver projects on time and to spec; detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and a good grasp of code principles (SOLID, DRY, encapsulation).
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, and success working with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Laravel or another MVC framework (Symfony, Django, Rails).
• Experience with NPM, NodeJS, and webpack/Vite.
• Experience using and extending a CMS - Drupal experience a plus.
• Experience designing database schemas for complex data.
• Strong understanding of usability and accessibility principles.
• Experience with Docker, Docker Compose, and Docker Swarm/Kubernetes clusters.
• Broad experience deploying and managing various server types.

Working Conditions

• This can be a fully remote position with no expectation to work on-site.  If the employee hired is located in the Seattle area, occasional in-person attendance for certain meetings and events is strongly encouraged.
• Our tech stack includes Microsoft Azure, Docker Hub, and Kubernetes; GitHub, GitHub Projects, and GitHub Workflows; MySQL; Laravel with custom modules; Drupal with custom modules; JavaScript; HAProxy.

About the Team
Information is central to knowledge; to understanding; to impact. Amid the AI transformation, climate change and ongoing threats to public and civic health, information plays a pivotal role in giving everyone the tools to thrive. Our work advances effective information systems and equitable access to information by transforming practices within organizations large and small, and influencing public policy. The UW Information School is leading the global movement to devise information solutions that enrich people’s lives and tackle the world’s toughest challenges through our in-demand undergraduate and graduate level education and our interdisciplinary research centers and partnerships. Together, our students, faculty, alumni and partners are actively creating a future where effective use of information can help everyone discover, learn, innovate, solve problems, and have fun. Information changes lives.

Learn more at ischool.uw.edu.

In the Information School, there is an expectation that all faculty and staff will step up where they see an opportunity to apply their special expertise or talents, speak up when they identify opportunities or concerns, and lead by taking actions that exemplify the Information School’s core values.  Leadership within the Information School is expressed in diverse ways reflecting the variety of styles and cultures that are represented by our faculty and staff. 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.