Temporary Front End Web Developer Jobs in Houston, TX

Position Summary

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research is seeking a full-time Web Developer to assist in the creation and maintenance of websites for the Kinder Institute. The selected candidate will be responsible for the design, build, and implementation of new, high-quality, high-performance web-based applications and tools that maximally leverage available technology infrastructure. This position will primarily work on front-end processes and is expected to have a strong UX/UI background, but should possess some back-end knowledge and skills, or be willing to develop them.

The Kinder Institute for Urban Research aims to improve lives through data, research, engagement, and action. The institute consists of five research centers focused on critical aspects shaping the social and cultural landscape of the Houston area. The five centers research housing, education, community and public health, economic mobility and inequality, and population dynamics. Each center has a distinct research focus while collaborating across the institute on interdisciplinary, solutions-oriented research. The centers use a research-practice partnership (RPP) model to jointly design, develop, and conduct research that values diversity in expertise and prioritizes the community in identifying and addressing some of the most pressing questions and challenges facing Greater Houston.  We strive to have our research inform decision-making and drive systemic change.  

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid formatting issues.

Workplace Requirements 

• Occasional Travel 
• Periodical evening and or weekend work as needed 

Workplace Location

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. During the first few months, the employee will work primarily in the office while onboarding and learning the role.  Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range 

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed hiring range is $82,000 - $85,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.  

Minimum Requirements  

• Bachelor's degree 
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted 
• Two or more (2+) years of experience in web development
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted

Skills:  

• Programming skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python
• Experience with JavaScript frameworks (especially VueJS, ReactJS)
• Experience with backend APIs/HTTP web services and working with JSON or XML formatted data
• Experience with GitHub and version control 
• General understanding of the Agile methodology
• General understanding of Information Security and Privacy risks and the methods to mitigate those risks
• Proven ability to meet multiple deadlines and priorities, working on a team or independently
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and adaptable to change
• Excellent Communication and Interpersonal skills 

Preferences 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, information systems, or related technical discipline 
• Experience with Amazon Web Services (especially serverless services; DynamoDB, S3, CloudFront, Lambda) 
• Experience with creating a custom CSS theme library using Tailwind, Sass, or vanilla CSS
• Experience with ArcGIS Online, Experience builder, ArcGIS StoryMap, and ArcGIS Survey123
• Experience with web survey concepts and technology (e.g., Qualtrics)
• Experience with data visualization software and packages (e.g., Tableau, PowerBI, MapLibre, etc.)
• Experience with relational and non-relational databases
• Experience with containerized applications, Knowledge of data pipeline, ETL process
• Experience with the responsible use of Agentic AI in web development
• Experience with Drupal and Content Management

Essential Functions

• Develops web pages and tools for Rice websites using core technologies
• Develops and/or modifies clean, well-structured, search engine optimization-friendly, documented code
• Designs and builds new, high-quality, high-performance web-based applications and tools
• Performs selected website administration duties for existing clients
• Evaluates third-party modules for functionality, accessibility, security, and maintainability
• Ensures web server and site technical performance
• Provides technical expertise in front- and back-end web development
• Supports web infrastructure by providing end-user support, application maintenance, product evaluation, back-end development, and internal management tools
• Interprets website design and layout visually in a creative, contemporary style and fully integrated manner
• Ensures high quality and consistent look and feel across multiple devices and browsers
• Works with site architects to develop and document functional specifications based on requirements gathered    from stakeholders
• Supports the implementation of application life cycle
• Performs all other duties as assigned 

Additional Functions 

• Primary developer for various smaller websites for specific research projects. These are often dashboard-like sites.
• Participates in requirements gathering sessions; work with other team members and stakeholders to clarify requirements
• Participate in the development of test scripts for websites and/or web-based applications
• Perform testing for websites and/or web-based applications
• Provides UI/UX advice to stakeholders
• Provides technical advice and support for web-based visualization 
• Creates web scraping scripts

The Kinder Institute: https://kinder.rice.edu

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University 

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.