Applications Developer - Programmable Cloud Laboratory Initiative (Materials Research Institute)
- MRI
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- React.js
- HTML5
- CSS3
- REST API
- Git
- Python
- Data Visualization
- Docker
- AI
- Agile
- Equity
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), pleaselogin to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, pleaselogin to Workday to complete thestudent application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and completethe application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Materials Research Institute (MRI) at Penn State University seeks anApplications Developer to develop user-facing software for a newProgrammable Cloud Laboratory initiative funded by theNational Science Foundation.
This position will be filled at theApplications Developer - Advanced Professional ORSenior Professional level.
TheinitiativewillbuilduponexistingscientificinstrumentationandresearchinfrastructureinMRIcorefacilitiestoprovideresearcherswithsecureremoteaccesstoexperimentalcapabilities,data,andAI-enabledtools.
TheApplicationsDeveloperwilldeveloptheCloudLabCommandCenterandrelatedweb-basedapplicationsthroughwhichresearchersinteractwiththefacility.TheCommandCenterwillprovideanintegratedsuiteoftoolsforlearningaboutinstrumentcapabilities,configuringandsubmittingworkflows,monitoringprogress,viewingdataasitisgenerated,analyzingresults,andcollaboratingwithotherresearchers.Thepositionhasastrongfront-endfocus,requiringclosecollaborationwithscientists,facilitystaff,andbackenddeveloperstotranslatecomplexexperimentalprocessesintointuitive,reliable,andaccessibledigitalexperiences.
Thisisahands-ondevelopmentrolewithownershipoffeaturesandproductoutcomes.AsanearlymemberoftheCloudLabdevelopmentteam,thedeveloperwillcontributetosoftwaredevelopmentpractices,designstandards,andreleaseprocesses.Thesuccessfulcandidatewillbecomfortableworkinginanevolvingresearchenvironment,learningnewtechnologiesasneeded,andbalancingrapiditerationwiththereliability,security,andmaintainabilityexpectedofanationalresearchresource.
KeyResponsibilities
- Design,develop,test,andmaintainresponsivewebapplicationsfortheCloudLabCommandCenter.
- Buildinterfacesforexperimentdesign,workflowconfiguration,collaboration,andreporting.
- Developreusable,accessible,andwell-documentedUIcomponents.
- Gatherrequirementsandoptimizeuserexperiencesthroughcollaborationwithresearchers,facilitystaff,andsoftwaredevelopers.
- Useuserfeedbackanditerativedevelopmentpracticestorefinefeaturesandimproveusability.
- Workcloselywithbackenddeveloperstointegratefront-endapplicationswithAPIsanddataservices.
- ConsumeRESTAPIsandreal-timedatastreamstoprovidetimelyinformationandupdates.
- Supportapplicationtroubleshooting,qualityassurance,andreleaseactivities.
Technical Environment
JavaScript and TypeScript
React and modern component-based frameworks
HTML5, CSS3, and responsive design
State management and front-end testing frameworks
REST APIs and WebSocket-based integrations
Git and collaborative development workflows
Python
Data visualization libraries
Docker and containerized environments
Scientific applications or research software
AI-enabled tools and scientific data platforms
Successful candidateswillhave demonstrated strong problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills andhave extensive experiencedeveloping rich, interactive web applications and dashboards using JavaScript/TypeScript and React or comparable frameworks,data visualization libraries,implementation of responsive design, web-based data services, and REST APIsfor interactive web applications and dashboards.
Preferred Skills and Experience:It is strongly preferred that successful candidates haveexperience with one or more of the following:
- Familiarity with front-end testing frameworks and automated testing practices.UX/UI principles and user-centered design.
- Agile or iterativesoftware-development environments.
- Familiarity with scientific software, research environments, or laboratory systems is a plus but notrequired.
Application Instructions:To apply, applicants should upload a cover letter detailing theirqualifications for and interest in the position, their resume, and names and contact details(e-mail addresses and telephone numbers) for threeprofessionalreferences. Review of applications will beginimmediately and continue until the position is filled.
Work Arrangement:Thispositionoffersflexibilitythrougheitheraremoteworkarrangementforindividualsresidingineligiblestates within the US,orahybridworkarrangement.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Applications Developer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Applications Developer - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $81,312.00 - $137,280.00.
Salary Structure- Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for reviewhere.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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Applications Developer - Programmable Cloud Laboratory Initiative (Materials Research Institute) · The Pennsylvania State University