Princeton sociologist Matthew Salganik and computer scientist Ed Felten are seeking an exceptional web developer to work on an open source social computing research project. The project seeks to develop a new form of social data collection that combines the best features of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Using the power of the web, we are creating a "crowdsourcing" data collection tool that has the scale, speed, and quantification of a survey while still allowing new information to bubble up from respondents as happens in interviews, participant observation, and focus groups (alpha version). We recently received funding from Google that will allow us to hire a contractor for one year.

The web developer would be involved in all aspects of development from database architecture to scientific computing to graphic design. Desired technical background includes 1) extensive Ruby on Rails and Ruby, 2) extensive MySQL database design and management, 3) Linux/Nginx/Mongrel System Administration, 4) familiarity with Capistrano. Also wanted are experience with C, Bash scripting, Javascript/JQuery, HAML/XHMTL/XML, and Rails plug-ins. Related technical background is also acceptable. Beyond technical background, the project is looking for a creative, curious person who wants to make something beautiful.

The job offers a substantial amount of autonomy, but demands extremely high-quality and agile work. Benefits include working on an open source project with potentially high visibility in a fun, challenging, and stimulating academic environment.

• Duration: One year
• Pay: Competitive with other academic jobs, but below industry wages
• Location: The position would require traveling to the Princeton University campus about once per week for research group meetings. Spending more time on campus is, of course, welcome.

Please send a cover letter (possibly including links to work samples) and resume to Matthew Salganik (mjs3 at princeton dot edu).