Job openings/Sr. Software Developer (project)

Sr. Software Developer [CLOSED]
 * Job Title

February 15, 2009 to April 16, 2010
 * Employment Duration

The Wikipedia Usability Initiative was realized by a grant from the U.S.-based Stanton Foundation. The goal of this initiative is to measurably increase the usability of Wikipedia for new contributors by improving the underlying software on the basis of user behavioral studies, thereby reducing barriers to public participation. This position is part of the program team for the initiative.
 * About the Wikipedia Usability Initiative

For more information, please see the press release.

The core responsibility of this position is to lead the front end technical implementation of usability improvements. The ideal candidate will work with the interaction designer and implement the best suitable technologies.
 * Job Purpose

Program Manager
 * Reports to


 * Job Summary
 * Architect and implement the usability improvements identified by the Interaction Designer
 * Mentor and guide software developers in identifying and resolving issues with MediaWIki usability for Wikipedia
 * Develop, test, and deploy new features and improvements to the MediaWiki core and extension software
 * Design performance tests and oversee the QA process
 * Work closely with operations staff to ensure proper integration with testing and production systems


 * Required Qualifications
 * Strong leadership skills in leading a software team and a large scale project to completion
 * Computer Science degree or equivalent work experience
 * 7+ years software development
 * Extensive experience with AJAX/HTML/CSS
 * Familiarity with LAMP
 * Object-oriented JavaScript skills
 * Experience with security implications of JavaScript/PHP software
 * Experience in testing and analyzing usability and accessibility
 * Experience with MediaWiki a plus
 * Knowledge in user interface design a big plus
 * Experience with cross-browser compatibility testing
 * An understanding of internationalizing and localizing software products a big plus
 * Any other free/open software development experience highly welcome
 * Comfortable in a highly collaborative, consensus-oriented environment
 * Experience with wikis and participatory production environments a plus
 * Understanding of the free culture movement a plus
 * The ideal candidate will be creative, highly motivated, and able to operate effectively in multiple cultural and language contexts.