MorphoSource Repository Developer

MorphoSource (www.morphosource.org) is an online repository website where researchers, museum curators, and the public can access, share, and archive 3D digital media and related metadata representing museum specimens, primarily anatomical specimens (skeletons, bodies, etc.), for research, education, and general use. We are looking for a software developer to join a team of two other fulltime developers and contribute to crafting and developing technical infrastructure to support the MorphoSource repository. As part of this team, you will be participate in 1) helping to maintain the current platform – a proof of concept LAMP (Linux/Apache/MySQL/PHP) stack – with feature upgrades and bug fixes; and 2) refactoring the repository from its current LAMP implementation to a Samvera (formerly named Hydra) and Fedora digital repository software stack, integrated with Duke University Library infrastructure. This will include writing code that replicates and improves upon the functionality of the current platform. You will be deeply involved with building repositories to preserve data for the long term, with a focus on growing the performance, stability and robustness of Samvera/Fedora technology stacks for supporting a preservation-aware, linked data infrastructure. You will also communicate with researchers and other repository users as part of improving the MorphoSource infrastructure

You should be a knowledgeable, adaptable, and self-motivated individual who is passionate about integrating disparate code bases, web services, API calls, and databases. You should be a dedicated and skilled coder who is able to pick up new frameworks, technologies, and languages quickly. Experience developing digital asset management tools, databases, doing full-stack web development, or working with data preservation are a definite plus.

This is a 3-Year Term Appointment with possibility of renewal.

Responsibilities

• Along with the rest of the team, rewrite MorphoSource as a Samvera/Fedora repository within two years for a beta launch at the beginning of year three. Together with key partners, participate in structuring the development agenda for the refactor.
• Implement new features and fix bugs to improve user experience in the current MorphoSource proof-of-concept application.
• Design, code, test, document, and maintain services and applications that support digital object ingest, preservation, search, discovery, distribution, security, and presentation.
• Develop APIs for exposing repository content to systems and services meaningful to user communities.
• Work closely with creators and managers of content and metadata to understand their needs and develop mechanisms for integrating assets into the repository.
• Partner with the Duke University Libraries Software Development and Integration Services team to ensure MorphoSource repository infrastructure is aligned with the Duke Digital Repository for sustainability. Participate in inter-institutional repository development communities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualifications

It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning and a commitment to diversity.

Education:

Required: BA/BS or higher in Computer Science or related field (or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/ or experience)

Experience:

Required:

• A demonstrated track record of experience in object-oriented design and web application software development. in Java, Python, Ruby, or similar, and XML
• Ability to independently analyze complex problems and evaluate solutions through requirements analysis, use cases, software testing, and performance monitoring
• Ability to apply technology within and outside the body of knowledge and specialty of this position
• Good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team     

Preferred:

• Experience working with any or all of the following technical skills: o Digital asset management or institutional repository tools (Samvera, Fedora, DSpace, etc.) o Semantic Web and Linked Data tools and standards including RDF and SPARQL o Database development, including relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc.) and/or non-relational databases (RDF or triple store, NoSQL, object databases, etc.) o Back end web development using languages/frameworks like Ruby on Rails or PHP o Front end web development using languages/frameworks like Javascript, jQuery, AngularJS, Vue.js o Automated testing approaches (unit testing, integration tests, etc.) o Linux operating system, terminal environments, and/or command line tools
• Experience working in higher education generally and an academic research library in particular
• Experience with software lifecycle management and version control systems

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible
• Normal office environment
• Occasional travel required

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Salary and Benefits

Salary dependent on qualifications and experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes 15 days vacation, 13 holidays, 12 days sick leave; health, dental, disability and life insurance and support for professional development and training.

Environment

Since its founding in 1924, Duke University has grown into one of the most prestigious private universities in the world and its medical center ranks annually among the top in the nation. The Duke University Libraries are the shared center of the university's intellectual life, connecting people and ideas. The Libraries consist of the Perkins Library, Bostock Library, Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Lilly Library, and Music Library, and the library at the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort. Duke's library holdings of 6.2 million volumes are among the largest of private universities in the United States.

Duke is a diverse community committed to the principles of excellence, fairness, and respect for all people. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. We believe that when we understand, celebrate, and tap into our uniqueness to creatively solve problems and address shared goals, our possibilities are limitless. Duke University Libraries value diversity of thought, perspective, experience, and background and are actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect.

Duke's hometown is Durham, North Carolina, a city with vibrant research, medical and arts communities, and numerous shops, restaurants and theaters. Durham is located in the Research Triangle, a growing metropolitan area of more than one million people that provides a wide range of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The Triangle is conveniently located just a few hours from the mountains and the coast, offers a moderate climate, and has been ranked among the best places to live and to do business.

Duke offers a comprehensive benefit packages which includes both traditional benefits such as health insurance, leave time and retirement, as well as wide ranging work/life and cultural benefits. Details can be found at: http://www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/index.php.

Application

An electronic resume, cover letter, and list of 3 references should be submitted at https://hr.duke.edu/careers/apply - refer to Requisition # 401401913. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications which are missing any of the components listed above will not be reviewed.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer