Web Developer (Communications)

The Web Developer plays a key role in developing and maintaining the Salk Institute’s websites and web-based applications. This is an in-office position reporting to the Digital Communications Manager. This individual works collaboratively with graphic designers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality, responsive, and accessible digital experiences.

Primary responsibilities include engineering WordPress websites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP; maintaining custom database-driven applications (PHP/MySQL); customizing WordPress themes and plugins; and developing digital tools and registration systems to support laboratories, events, and core facilities.

This role requires strong technical skills, a keen eye for design and usability, and the ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail. The Web Developer also supports IT with security updates and server/database-related needs and plays a key role in ensuring Salk’s digital properties adhere to accessibility and branding standards.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Web Development and Support

• Serve as the primary contact for day-to-day website and web application needs, with strategic oversight and final advisement from the Digital Communications Manager.
• Build, test, and maintain responsive, cross-browser compatible websites and web apps.
• Update and manage content using WordPress and custom PHP/MySQL applications.
• Create specialty tools such as email signature generators, lab asset databases, and event registration systems.
• Ensure ADA compliance and accessibility across web properties.
• Support internal communications by managing multimedia content (videos, photos, text).
• Collaborate with Advancement/Communications to align web content with Salk branding.
• Conduct usability testing and implement analytics to assess website effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot and resolve web-related issues including functionality, server-side issues, and content accuracy.
• Develop web forms, interactive features, and backend systems to streamline processes.
• Monitor and implement web security measures and system updates.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Planning, Strategy, and Innovation

• Evaluate new web technologies for integration into Salk's digital infrastructure.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of web and application development.
• Recommend performance and design enhancements for existing systems.
• Maintain documentation of best practices and ensure software license compliance.

Collaboration and Communication

• Consult with faculty and staff, as needed, to assess web development needs and define project scopes.
• Translate client requirements into functional and aesthetic web solutions.
• Communicate timelines, development processes, and technical constraints effectively.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

What we Require

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of four years of professional web development experience, preferably within a communications, marketing, or similar environment.
• Proficient in HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and PHP, with experience working with REST APIs.
• Strong WordPress development experience, including an in-depth understanding of WordPress architecture and the ability to build, customize, troubleshoot, and maintain complex, highly customized websites.
• Experience developing and maintaining custom PHP/MySQL content management systems.
• Familiarity with web accessibility standards, usability principles, and web development best practices.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and multimedia integration.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve technical issues.
• Experience gathering user requirements and translating business and functional needs into effective web development solutions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration skills and a customer-focused approach to working with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• High degree of professionalism and integrity, with the ability to appropriately handle confidential information.

Preferred:

• Experience in a large (500+ employees) nonprofit or academic institution.
• Working knowledge of cloud-based server with test environments.
• Experience with ticketing, booking, and event management software customizations.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $45.00 to $52.00 an hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

1. Any combination of characteristics.
2. A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
3. A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.