Web Developer (Communications)

The Web Developer plays a key role in developing and maintaining the Salk Institutes websites and web-based applications. Working collaboratively with the digital communications manager graphic designers vendors and internal stakeholders. This individual ensures the delivery of high-quality responsive and accessible digital experiences.

Primary responsibilities include engineering websites using HTML CSS JavaScript and PHP; maintaining custom database-driven applications (PHP/MySQL); customizing WordPress themes and plugins; and developing digital tools and registration systems to support laboratories events and core facilities.

This role requires strong technical skills a keen eye for design and usability and the ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail. The Web Developer also supports IT with security updates and server/database-related needs and plays a key role in ensuring Salks digital properties adhere to accessibility and branding standards.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that valuesallmembers of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline professional acumen and unique life experiences fostering innovation and a sense of belonging. Together we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine the Institute is an independent nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice intimate by nature and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salks vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. Fromvisionary leadersto dedicatedadministratorsand brilliantfaculty members the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Web Development and Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for updating and troubleshooting the Institutes websites and web applications.
• Build test and maintain responsive cross-browser compatible websites and web apps.
• Update and manage content using WordPress and custom PHP/MySQL applications.
• Create specialty tools such as email signature generators lab asset databases and event registration systems.
• Ensure ADA compliance and accessibility across web properties.
• Support internal communications by managing multimedia content (videos photos text).
• Collaborate with Advancement/Communications to align web content with Salk branding.
• Conduct usability testing and implement analytics to assess website effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot and resolve web-related issues including functionality server-side issues and content accuracy.
• Develop web forms interactive features and backend systems to streamline processes.
• Monitor and implement web security measures and system updates.

Planning Strategy and Innovation

• Evaluate new web technologies for integration into Salks digital infrastructure.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of web and application development.
• Recommend performance and design enhancements for existing systems.
• Maintain documentation of best practices and ensure software license compliance.

Collaboration and Communication

• Consult with faculty and staff to assess web development needs and define project scopes.
• Translate client requirements into functional and aesthetic web solutions.
• Communicate timelines development processes and technical constraints effectively.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

What we Require

Required:

• Bachelors Degree (BA) from four-year college or university or one to two years of related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in web development preferably in a communications/marketing or similar environment.
• Proficiency in HTML CSS JavaScript and PHP.
• Experience with WordPress and custom PHP/MySQL content management systems.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of HTML5 CSS3 JavaScript PHP REST APIs.
• Working knowledge of Photoshop and multimedia integration.
• Familiarity with web accessibility guidelines and usability best practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues independently.
• Excellent communication skillswritten verbal and interpersonal.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure with precision.
• Strong collaborative skills and a customer-focused mindset.
• Experience gathering user requirements and translating them into development solutions.
• High degree of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred:

• Experience in a large (500 employees) nonprofit or academic institution.
• Working knowledge of cloud-based server with test environments.
• Experience with ticketing booking and event management software customizations.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $45.00 to $52.00 an hour.Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position the qualifications of the selected candidate departmental budget availability internal equity geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitivebenefits including medical dental vision retirement paid time off tuition reimbursement patient advocacy services and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community both scientists and administrators worked together to define values that we believe support Salks pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronymI CAREprovides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students employees applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include but not limited to such hairstyles as braids and twists) color religion religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices) national origin ancestry citizenship physical or mental disability medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics) genetic information marital status age sex (including pregnancy childbirth breastfeeding or related medical conditions) reproductive health decision making gender gender identity gender expression sexual orientation veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran veteran of the Vietnam era other covered veteran status) political affiliation and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics including:

1. Any combination of characteristics.
2. A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
3. A perception that the person is associated with a person who has or is perceived to have any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.

Required Experience:

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