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:

Senior Java Programmer – WEB 2.0 – SEMANTIC WEB

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? Come work on 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

We are seeking a Senior Java Programmer to implement exciting new functionality in the application. The responsibilities of the Senior Java Programmer include, but are not limited, to the following:

  • Responsible for defining, designing and implementing major functions of the platform.
  • Contribute to the platform architecture.
  • Work with members of the development team to enhance core product features and develop new ones.
  • Assist with the design and implementation of data models for new system functionality.
  • Meet aggressive deadlines.
  • Work with cutting edge Open Source technologies.
  • Assist the development team with technical problems.
  • Field questions from an online community.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

  • 8 - 10 years software programming experience.
  • Strong architectural and OO aexperience.
  • Strong design skills. Knows API design, modular design, DRY, UML, judicious use of patterns.
  • Expert in Java application development with experience using tools like Struts 2 (Webwork), Spring, and Maven.
  • Effictively combine long-term architecture needs with short-term development goals.
  • Experience building a high-volume, highly-available, distributed application in a hosted environment.
  • Can solve multi-threaded, asynchronous, and distributed systems problems.
  • Understands issues around fault tolerance and scale-out.
  • Understands system management issues.
  • Highly motivated top performer, strong software design and debugging skills.
  • Detail-oriented with strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
  • Ability to create detailed feature spec documentation.
  • Excellent communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills.
  • Intellectual curiosity, positive attitude and dedication to the job.
  • Works well both in a team and individually.

Nice to have

  • Experience with XML and standards for describing and processing XML documents.
  • Desire to learn about semantic technologies.
  • Active in an Open Source software project.

Education

  • BS/MS degree in Computer Science or equivalent

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/.

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, "Senior Java Programmer" as the subject of your email. PLoS offers competitive salaries, a creative and casual work environment as well as a full range of comprehensive benefits, including medical; dental and vision; life, LTD and STD coverage and a matching 401k program. No phone calls or visits, please. Principals only – email from recruiters will be ignored. For more information about PLoS, visit http://www.plos.org/.

Java Programmer

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? Come work on 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

We are seeking a Java Programmer to implement exciting new functionality in the application. The responsibilities of the Java Programmer include, but are not limited, to the following:

  • Assist in defining, designing and implementing major functions of the platform.
  • Work with members of the development team to enhance core product features and develop new ones.
  • Meet aggressive deadlines.
  • Work with cutting edge Open Source technologies.
  • Assist the development team with technical problems.
  • Field questions from an online community.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

  • 3 - 5 years software programming experience.
  • Strong OO design skills and an understanding of design patterns.
  • Experience in Java application development with tools like Struts 2 (Webwork), Spring, and Maven.
  • Experience building a high-volume, highly-available, distributed application in a hosted environment.
  • Can solve multi-threaded, asynchronous, and distributed systems problems.
  • Highly motivated top performer, strong software design and debugging skills.
  • Detail-oriented with strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
  • Ability to create detailed feature spec documentation.
  • Excellent communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills.
  • Works well both in a team and individually.
  • Intellectual curiosity, positive attitude and dedication to the job.

Nice to have

  • Experience with XML and standards for describing and processing XML documents.
  • Desire to learn about semantic technologies.
  • Active in an Open Source software project.

Education

  • BS/MS degree in Computer Science or equivalent.

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/.

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, "Senior Java Programmer" as the subject of your email. PLoS offers competitive salaries, a creative and casual work environment as well as a full range of comprehensive benefits, including medical; dental and vision; life, LTD and STD coverage and a matching 401k program. No phone calls or visits, please. Principals only – email from recruiters will be ignored. For more information about PLoS, visit http://www.plos.org/.

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.

Online Publishing Manager

Job Summary

As the Online Publishing Manager, you will be responsible for managing the production of online publications for the Public Library of Science (PLoS), an open access publisher of scientific and medical journals. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years experience in online publishing, with strong experience managing staff and solid interpersonal skills in working with cross-departmental teams and vendors. This individual will be able to implement reporting, analysis and strategies to improve production quality, on-time delivery, and workflow efficiencies. The candidate will have a proven ability managing multiple, competing priorities simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Report to the Director on key operational issues relating to workflow, schedules and procedures across all journals and their respective Web sites. Report on monthly production metrics: benchmarks, capacities, backlogs, trends.
  • Drive initiatives to streamline processes, and improve efficiencies while maintaining tight publishing schedules, cost-effective procedures, and quality control across journals. Troubleshoot and identify critical chokepoints and potential resolutions.
  • Collaborate within Production and across departments, to clearly and consistently communicate production objectives, and to understand daily operational concerns and successes. Prioritize and monitor progress on outstanding issues.
  • Coordinate with publishing vendor to ensure that production issues are resolved and all workflows and systems run smoothly and efficiently. Provide workarounds as necessary. Understand and identify issues relating to the Journal Management System. Ensure the team is utilizing the JMS most efficiently.
  • Manage multiple, priority projects. Facilitate the efforts of key players to ensure project and operational success.
  • Supervise, hire and help train new staff. Provide back up to the Director.

Qualifications:

  • 5-7 years in online publishing required. Solid understanding of the publishing process.
  • Strong experience managing diverse staff, hiring, mentoring, and working with colleagues in different geographical locations.
  • Excellent project management skills. Analytical and creative thinker with ability to translate strategy into tactics and ideas into action. Highly skilled in troubleshooting and resolving issues. Thrives in a fast-paced environment.
  • Solid understanding of (and interest in) Web technologies and trends, including HTML, XML, CMS, Web 2.0, RSS. Adept at learning new software and systems. Preferred: A working knowledge of technologies used in journals publishing, including manuscript tracking, online submission/review, electronic editing, and web hosting.

Application Procedure

PLoS offers competitive salaries, a creative and casual work environment as well as a full range of comprehensive benefits, including medical; dental and vision; life, LTD and STD coverage and a matching 401k program. If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@plos.org and use the job title "Online Publishing Manager" as the subject of your email. No phone calls or visits, please. Principals only – email from recruiters will be ignored. For more information about PLoS, visit http://www.plos.org/.