Developer and Emerging Technologies Specialist

The University of Virginia Library is seeking a Developer and Emerging Technologies Specialist to help build and maintain software tools that support digital humanities scholarship. This hybrid role supports work within the Digital Humanities Center and IATH, with a strong focus on AI, large language models, and emerging technologies alongside established platforms.

Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, the position combines hands-on software development with ongoing collaboration across faculty and student communities. The work includes translating research needs into technical systems, documenting outcomes for different audiences, and evaluating solutions that fit academic standards of practice.

What You’ll Do

• Carry out software development and engineering work at IATH.
• Partner on the design and implementation of faculty-driven digital humanities research projects using emerging and established technologies and best practices, with emphasis on AI and machine learning.
• Work with researchers to understand their data and requirements for data analysis.
• Maintain sustained engagement with faculty and students, communicating information and questions clearly.
• Demonstrate and document work for both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Assess and recommend technical solutions as part of multidisciplinary teams, and independently implement solutions when appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in PHP, SQL, JavaScript (ES6+), HTML, CSS, XML, and TEI.
• Experience with Drupal, Mukurtu, and Omeka.
• Experience with SQL databases, including MySQL and PostgreSQL, and data formats including JSON and CSV.
• Experience using Git and Subversion for version control.
• Demonstrated expertise in AI systems and machine learning algorithms, including familiarity with critical evaluation, current and emerging best practices, and ethical AI use, ideally in academic settings.
• Ability to apply these practices within academic communities and standards of practice.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Technologies and Tools

• Backend and web: PHP, SQL, JavaScript (ES6+), Node.js, React
• Markup and standards: HTML, CSS, XML, TEI, IIIF, Dublin Core, VRA Core
• Platforms: Drupal, Mukurtu, Omeka
• Data and version control: MySQL, PostgreSQL, JSON, CSV, Git, Subversion
• AI and ML: AI, machine learning, Ollama, Claude Code
• Additional development tools: Ruby, Python, Java, Jekyll, Eleventy, Ruby on Rails, Docker, Jupyter

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Digital humanities experience and curiosity, including awareness of resources for staying current and comfort working across disciplines.
• Strong communication skills, including teaching and training diverse audiences and explaining technical information to nontechnical audiences.
• Experience providing consultation to faculty, students, staff, and members of the public.
• Strong time management and the ability to manage tasks independently.
• Experience with Ollama or similar local large language model tools, cloud-based AI tools, and coding agents such as Claude Code, with awareness of hallucinations, bias amplification, and responsible AI practices.
• Experience with Ruby, Python, and Java.
• Experience with IIIF, Node.js, React, static site generators such as Jekyll and Eleventy, and Ruby on Rails.
• Familiarity with metadata standards and schemas, including Dublin Core and VRA Core.
• Experience with Docker and Jupyter.
• Interest in exploring and adapting emerging digital scholarship tools while supporting digital humanities and Library community engagement using current and emerging digital technologies and best practices.

Position Details

• Position type: exempt-level, benefited position.
• Work location: Charlottesville, Virginia.
• Hybrid arrangement: eligible for up to two remote days per week.
• Visa sponsorship: this position will not sponsor VISA applicants now or in the future.

Reference Checks

• Reference checks are conducted through SkillSurvey.
• Five references will be requested; at least three completed responses are required.

How to Apply

• Apply online and search for R0087822.
• Submit a cover letter and resume.

For questions about the process, contact Bill Crane, Senior HR recruiter at [email protected].