MorphoSource Repository Developer - 3 Year Term Appointment with possibility of renewal

Description

The MorphoSource Repository Developer will lead the design and development of a technical infrastructure to support the management, preservation and appropriate access to 3D digital assets hosted by the MorphoSource repository. MorphoSource is designed for archiving, interactive sharing, and tracking 3D digital assets and associated metadata relating to museum specimens, primarily 3D scans of anatomical specimens. This repository is used by scientists to collaborate on and to publish 3D data used in research; by museum curators to increase access to museum collections; by educators to enrich classroom instruction with otherwise-unavailable specimens; and by the public to access the "raw data" of scientific research. Currently, MorphoSource is implemented as a proof-of-concept LAMP (Linux/Apache/MySQL/PHP) stack. This is a 3-Year Term Appointment with possibility of renewal.

The developer will be responsible for refactoring the MorphoSource repository from its current form to a new implementation using a Hydra (being renamed Samvera) and Fedora digital repository software stack and integrating with Duke University Libraries infrastructure. This will include writing code that replicates and improves upon all the functionality of the MorphoSource proof-of-concept. The developer will work with researchers and stakeholders in gathering and defining requirements. The position requires a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and self-motivated individual with experience in integrating disparate code bases, web services, API calls, scripts, and databases. The MorphoSource Repository Developer will focus on best strategies for enhancing the performance, stability and robustness of Hydra [Samvera] and Fedora technology stacks as preservation-aware, linked data infrastructure, as well as developing pathways for new contributions to MorphoSource. Other responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the existing functionality in the MorphoSource proof-of-concept application and recommend appropriate technology infrastructure to support the continuation, and potential enhancement, of these services.
• 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.
• Together with key stakeholders, identify, prioritize, organize, and manage the infrastructure development agenda.
• Design, code, integrate, test, document, implement, and maintain services and applications that support digital object ingest, preservation, search, discovery, distribution and presentation.
• Complete the re-implementation of MorphoSource as a Hydra [Samvera]/Fedora repository within two years for a beta launch at the beginning of year three.
• Work closely with creators and managers of content and metadata to understand their needs and develop mechanisms for integrating assets into the repository.
• Recommend, develop, and implement procedures to ensure the security and integrity of repository contents.
• Recommend, develop, and implement APIs for exposing repository content to systems and services relevant to stakeholder communities.
• Actively participate in inter-institutional repository development communities, sharing experience, code, and best practices.
• Collaborate with various information technology teams across campus to provide appropriate infrastructure in support of library repository services.
• Stay up to date on technology trends and standards and evaluate their impact on and application to library repository services.
• 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:  

• At least 3 years of professional experience developing and implementing technology projects in a collaborative, team-based, goal-oriented environment; 
• Experience in object-oriented design and web application development in Java, Python, Ruby, or similar, and XML;
• Ability to independently analyze complex problems and identify and evaluate solutions through requirements analysis, use cases, unit tests, integration test automation tools, and performance monitoring;
• Ability to apply technology within and outside the body of knowledge and specialty of this position;
• Familiarity with Linux operating system and command line tools.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team;
• Demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer services.    

Preferred: 

• Prior experience working in higher education generally and an academic research library in particular;
• Extensive, documented experience with repository systems (Fedora, Hydra [Samvera], DSpace) and related toolkits;
• Extensive, documented experience with Ruby and Rails;
• Extensive, documented experience with Semantic Web and Linked Data tools and standards including RDF and SPARQL;
• Extensive, documented experience in web/user interface development (JavaScript, jQuery, etc)
• Database programming experience in an RDBMS (MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc) and/or non-relational DBMS-like triplestores, object databases, and NoSQL;
• Experience with software lifecycle management and version control systems;
• Deep understanding of issues related to scholarly publication, intellectual property, open access, and digital preservation (including bit rot management and software obsolescence);
• Familiarity with digital library technologies and standards, including digital object metadata and interchange standards, including Darwin Core, Dublin Core, Audubon Core, MARC, METS, MODS, OAI-PMH, OAI-ORE, and SWORD; familiarity with iRODS, Shibboleth, Grouper, and other federated identity management and access standards.

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'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 # 401297232. 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 committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The Duke University Libraries have a strong commitment to Affirmative Action and is actively seeking to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of our staff.