Jobs@PLoS

The Public Library of Science (PLoS) is a non-profit advocacy and publishing organization located in the China Basin area of San Francisco, California. We publish a growing collection of Open Access scientific and medical journals whose complete contents are freely available online. Our long-term goals are to create an online "public library of science" containing every scientific and medical paper ever published, and to develop the information technologies needed to maximize the value of this resource. For more information about PLoS, visit http://www.plos.org/.

The Public Library of Science and its publications continue to expand. Currently, we are seeking talented candidates for the following positions:


Software Development Manager

Do you want to play a role in changing the scientific publishing industry? Do you believe in Open Source Software and the Open Access movement? Do you want to work with exciting technologies like RDF, OWL, and the semantic web? The Public Library of Science (PLoS) is a non-profit advocacy and publishing organization leading the development of Ambra, a semantic publishing application that aims to shift the scientific and medical communities from subscription based journals to an Open Access online commons. Ambra is built on Topaz, an Open Source content modeling and storage software framework that uses the Fedora Service Framework and Mulgara semantic technology as the core engine. We are using the best of Web 2.0 technologies to revolutionize scientific publication!

Job Description

PLoS is seeking a Software Development Manager to manage a small development team in support of the organization’s web-based journals. We are looking for a candidate who likes challenges, wants to work with a highly talented group of people and with cutting edge technologies. Responsibilities will include defining/scheduling/managing development of features for Ambra, overseeing requests for enhancements/fixes to the PLoS journal websites, and assisting in documentation. This individual will be expected to collaborate with other teams at PLoS to help identify and prioritize product requirements and ensure the success of ongoing development activities. Development will be in Java and related web technologies. This position reports directly to the I.T. Director.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Manage a high performance development team.
  • Track/manage project deliverables; communicating status, issues and risks to project stakeholders. Propose solutions and guide projects through lifecycle to final implementation.
  • Work with project stakeholders to gather, define and refine technical, operational and business requirements on new and existing Ambra features.
  • Manage and directly participate in the development and implementation of these new technologies.
  • Ensure that the development team executes upon their deliverables. Keep projects on schedule, within scope and within budget. Obtain final signoff from the project stakeholders.
  • Track support issues and manage the completion of support tickets.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to the development team.
  • Act as a technical point of contact and Open Source champion for the Ambra publishing system.
  • Write documentation to aid the Open Source community involved in Ambra/Topaz.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

  • Experience managing a small development team, development projects and project deliverables.
  • Proven ability to lead a small development team in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
  • Experience managing products based on Java and J2EE technologies.
  • Experience with Unix/Linux.
  • Strong understanding of software design concepts, usability and emerging technologies. Knowledge of ePublishing systems a plus.
  • Extremely capable communicator; able to understand business requirements and create concise project requirements.
  • Proven ability to build effective relationships and trust with management, peers and subordinates.
  • Strong organization and problem solving skills that include the ability to respond to changing needs and shifting priorities.
  • Must be self-motivated, ability to multi-task and have a flexible, positive attitude.
  • Familiarity with Open Source technologies.
  • Experience working with project collaboration applications (MS Project, phpCollab, etc.).

Requirements

  • 5+ years IT experience with an Internet or technical focus and at least 3+ years management experience.
  • B.S. in a technical field or equivalent experience.
  • Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills are required.
  • Must have good planning and organizational skills.

About the Public Library of Science

The Public Library of Science (PLoS) is a non-profit advocacy and publishing organization located in the China Basin area of San Francisco, California. We publish a growing collection of "open access" scientific and medical journals whose complete contents are freely available online. Our long-term goals are to create an online "public library of science" containing every scientific and medical paper ever published, and to develop the information technologies needed to maximize the value of this resource. For more information about PLoS, visit http://www.plos.org/.

This is a full-time, permanent position available immediately at our San Francisco office, and we are looking to fill it as soon as possible. Our salaries are competitive for nonprofit organizations, but less than comparable to salaries in corporate environments. Compensation is dependent on qualifications. PLoS offers a benefits package which includes vacation, 401(k), health, vision and dental coverage.

Application Procedure

Please send a resume, a cover letter and a phone number where you can be contacted to jobs@plos.org and use the job title as the subject of your email.  No phone calls or visits, please. Principals only – email from recruiters will be ignored.