Part Time Backend Game Developer Jobs in Houston, TX

JOB TITLE: GPS-Based Mobile Web Game Developer - Paid Part-Time Internship
JOB OBJECTIVE:
Build a GPS-based location game for Promega's life science research community. Players physically move to campus locations following a radar interface, catch illustrated cards revealing a scientific narrative about cancer proteins, and compete on a real-time leaderboard against other labs and institutions. The prototype is already built and the full technical spec is written - the intern builds the technical platform from a detailed blueprint.
CORE DUTIES:
1. Build a progressive web app running in any smartphone browser - no native app or App Store submission required. Core features include: GPS spawn triggering within 25 meters of a campus pin, animated card reveal with bioluminescent catch animation, real-time leaderboard showing individual and PI lab rankings, user registration, two separate game instances with independent leaderboards for Texas and Madison deployments, and email or SMS spawn notifications.
2. Implement GPS geolocation using the Web Geolocation API with Haversine distance calculation to trigger card catches when a player walks within 25 meters of a hardcoded campus pin location. This is the most critical feature of the pilot.
3. Build and deploy the application using React frontend, Supabase backend, and Vercel hosting. Deliver a functional and tested build by October 1, 2026 in preparation for a scientific conference launch on October 13, 2026.
4. Support a second game instance deployment at Promega HQ in Madison, Wisconsin in November 2026, and contribute to Season 2 development planning through December 2026.
5. Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.
6. Embracing and being open to incorporating Promega's 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.
7. Understands and complies with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
1. High School diploma or proven work experience that ensures you are ready to be successful in this role.
2. Deployed React applications - live links or GitHub portfolio required to demonstrate real-world shipping experience.
3. Strong mobile web development experience with an understanding of how browsers behave differently on iOS and Android devices.
4. Strong CSS and JavaScript animation skills - the card reveal and catch animation are central to the player experience and must feel smooth and premium on a phone screen.
5. Available to start immediately and able to commit to the October 1, 2026 build completion target.
6. Demonstrated proficiency in digital tools and technology, including Microsoft applications and mobile platforms, with the ability to adapt and leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency, automation, and collaboration.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. GPS or geolocation experience in a mobile web application - familiarity with the Web Geolocation API or similar location-based development.
2. Supabase or Firebase experience - real-time database and backend-as-a-service platforms.
3. Background or strong interest in biotech, life science, computational biology, or bioinformatics - candidates who understand the scientific context of the project are particularly encouraged to apply.
4. Experience with progressive web app architecture, push notifications, or SMS notification systems.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
1. Ability to remain stationary for several hours at a time while working at a computer.
2. Ability to use a computer and Microsoft Office applications.
Additional Information:
Location: Fully remote - must be US-based. Houston-based preferred but not required.
Duration: Immediately through December 31, 2026 - extension flexible based on pilot outcomes.
Target schools: Rice University, University of Houston, Texas A&M University, Baylor College of Medicine.
Portfolio value: A live GPS game played by PhD researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, Texas A&M University, and Promega Corporation.
Hiring manager: Chris Lunn - Promega Corporation Field Sales, Houston Texas - chris.lunn@promega.com
At Promega, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.