POSTED TO UBC CAREERSONLINE
Job ID 806639 Software developer for an online teaching tool, UBC Chemistry
Application Deadline Date: April 9/14
HOURS PER WEEK 20
UBC DEPARTMENT Chemistry
SALARY / WAGE $23.81
NUMBER OF OPENINGS 1
ANTICIPATED START DATE 01/05/2014
JOB DESCRIPTION
The project assistant will develop an interactive online applet that undergraduate chemistry
students will use as part of their coursework in CHEM 211 and CHEM 311 (analytical
chemistry). The applet will allow students to virtually arrange and connect individual
components to build complete models of analytical instruments. The components, instrument
configurations, and other pedagogical details will be provided to the project assistant. The
project assistant will be responsible for building a database of these components, designing the
graphical user interface, and coding the applet using either Java or Flash. Feedback will be
provided throughout the design and testing process by chemistry instructors and a Science
Teaching & Learning Fellow from the Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative. The goal is to
produce a beta-tested version of the applet for the start of the Fall 2014 term. Development will
be over the Summer 2014 term (May 1-Aug 31).
POSITION TYPE
UBC Vancouver Work Learn Program
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must be a capable programmer in either Flash or Java. Courses/credits in chemistry
are NOT required, but will be considered an asset IF the applicant has the required Java/Flash
programming skills. The applicant should be self-motivated, organized, capable of working
independently, and, when necessary, able to use available resources (e.g., UBC library) to learn
new programming skills needed to complete the project.
Applicants should submit a Portfolio (a document with descriptions of applets or other coding
projects previously developed by the applicant and links to any online examples of applicant’s
work. These examples may be from coursework, prior work experience, or personal pursuits.)
STUDENT LEARNING COMPONENTS (UBC VANCOUVER WORK STUDY/WORK
LEARN PROGRAM)
The student selected for this position will have the opportunity to use their Flash/Java
programming skills to create a product that will be integrated into the chemistry curriculum at
UBC. They will see firsthand how their learned skills can enhance the learning experience of
their peers at UBC. Moreover, by working in a world-leading chemistry department, the project
assistant will be inspired to see how their multimedia and web developer skills can enhance the
communication of science to both students and the public. This position will help build
employable soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, independent learning, and
project management. The applet development experience will be excellent career and/or
entrepreneurial training as the project assistant will learn how to interact with a “client” in a
constructive and supportive environment. It is anticipated that the overall project, including the
applet developed by the hired project assistant, will be presented in chemical education symposia
at national conferences.
PREFERRED DEGREES/DISCIPLINES
Computer Science/IT
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (PREFERRED)
Cover Letter, Unofficial Transcript
CONTACT INFORMATION
Employer:
UBC Chemistry
Name: Dr. Jane Maxwell
ejmaxwell@chem.ubc.ca