Analyst/Developer (Digital Design and UX)

Location:	Belfast, Coleraine, Londonderry
Salary:	£38,273 to £45,611
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Permanent

Placed On:	26th September 2024
Closes:	3rd October 2024

Analyst/Developer (Digital Design and UX)

About Us

Ulster University is a prestigious institution known for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and engagement at both national and international levels. With a focus on teaching, learning, research, and innovation, we are dedicated to widening access to education and playing a pivotal role in the economic, social, and cultural development of Northern Ireland.

Our University is driven by a core mission to deliver exceptional education and impactful research while fostering regional engagement. As an institution, we take great pride in the contributions we make to our community, and we aim to create a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment for all students and staff.

As part of our continuous effort to provide the best resources and services for our academic community, our Library Service plays an integral role in supporting both teaching and research. The Library Service operates within the broader Academic Quality and Student Experience portfolio, focusing on flexible, responsive services that are closely aligned with the University's educational mission.

The Role

Ulster University is currently seeking an enthusiastic Analyst/Developer (Digital Design and UX) to join the Library Service team. In this role, you will work closely with the Systems Manager to enhance and support the library’s web presence, digital interfaces, and applications. This position is critical to ensuring that our digital resources and services provide a dynamic, intuitive, and engaging user experience (UX) for students, staff, and researchers.

As an Analyst/Developer, you will take editorial control over the library’s content hosted in the institutional Content Management System (CMS), oversee the front-end design of online library services, and develop innovative solutions that will enhance the overall digital user experience. Additionally, you will integrate the library’s digital assets and applications with the University’s corporate systems and offer technical guidance to colleagues in the Academic Engagement team to ensure the effective use of web publishing platforms.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of specialist technical and functional experts working within a central university department. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of our digital services and contribute to the overall development and delivery of cutting-edge digital solutions that meet the evolving needs of our academic community.

Key Responsibilities

As an Analyst/Developer (Digital Design and UX), your primary responsibilities will include:

• Design and Development:
  You will be responsible for designing, developing, and delivering the Library’s web presence, including the creation of engaging and user-friendly interfaces for various library applications. This includes maintaining editorial control over library content in the institutional CMS and implementing front-end design for online interfaces that enhance the user experience (UX). You will also design and develop solutions to host curated digital content that aligns with user expectations and supports dynamic content delivery.

• Integration and Application Management:
  In this role, you will manage and oversee the integration of various library applications with the web presence and other corporate systems. This involves ensuring the seamless interaction of digital resources and services within the larger institutional framework, guaranteeing an uninterrupted user experience across platforms. You will work closely with the Systems Manager to deliver robust, integrated digital services.

• Technical Guidance and Support:
  You will provide expert technical advice and support to library colleagues, particularly those in the Academic Engagement team, on the effective use of web publishing platforms. You will ensure that the library’s digital content is presented effectively and that academic and support staff are equipped with the necessary tools and training to manage web content within the institutional CMS.

• Continuous Improvement:
  You will stay updated with emerging trends in digital design, UX, and web development, ensuring that the Library Service stays at the forefront of modern web technologies. You will work collaboratively with colleagues to identify opportunities for enhancing the digital user experience, ensuring that all digital interfaces and applications are responsive, accessible, and user-centric.

About You

To be successful in this role, candidates must demonstrate a combination of technical expertise, creative problem-solving skills, and a strong focus on user experience (UX). The ideal candidate will have a background in information technology, computer science, or a related discipline, with extensive experience in web development and digital design. You should be passionate about creating engaging, functional, and responsive digital experiences that enhance users' interaction with our online library services.

Essential Criteria:

• Educational Background:

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline, OR equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.

• Technical Expertise:

• Demonstrable experience in modern web development, including front-end design and user experience (UX) principles.

• Expertise in enterprise-level Content Management Systems (CMS) for content development and management.

• Experience with scripting languages such as PHP, and working with relational databases such as MySQL.

• Proficiency in languages such as HTML, HTML5, SQL, JSON, XML, Javascript, and CSS, and a solid understanding of web technologies.

• Experience with MS SharePoint, or a similar platform, for digital content hosting and management.

• Website Management:

• Experience in managing websites across multiple hosting platforms, ensuring high availability and effective user navigation.

• Communication and Collaboration:

• Strong communication skills with the ability to provide technical advice and guidance to non-technical colleagues.

• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including academic staff, technical teams, and external vendors.

Benefits of Working with Us

At Ulster University, we understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and strive to create an environment where all staff can thrive. As a full-time, permanent member of our team, you will have access to an excellent range of employee benefits, including:

• Career Development:
  We are committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities, including training and workshops in areas of interest to further your career and technical expertise.

• Flexible Working Arrangements:
  We support flexible working to help you balance your professional and personal responsibilities. You will be able to work across any of our campuses, giving you flexibility in your working environment.

• Inclusive Culture:
  Ulster University is deeply committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. We hold a Silver Athena SWAN Award in recognition of our efforts to advance gender equality, and we are proud to foster a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive community for all our staff and students.

• Generous Benefits Package:
  Our benefits package includes access to health and wellbeing programs, pension contributions, and generous holiday entitlement.

How to Apply

To apply for the position of Analyst/Developer (Digital Design and UX), please submit your application via our online portal by 3 October 2024. Applications should include:

• A comprehensive CV outlining your qualifications, skills, and experience.

• A cover letter detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role, providing specific examples of your relevant experience.

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