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- Tasks: Join a remote team to develop innovative web solutions for societal challenges.
- Company: Open Systems Lab is a non-profit R&D lab focused on transformative public digital projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours and the freedom to work from anywhere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on democracy and climate issues while collaborating with a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in web development, particularly with React, TypeScript, and remote software teams.
- Other info: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; no closing date.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is an open call – that means we do not have a closing date and will review applications on a rolling basis.
About the role
Open Systems Lab is a non-profit R&D lab bringing together designers, researchers, technologists, engineers, lawyers, government workers and domain experts to solve difficult problems and build new operating systems for society. We collaborate with organisations from every sector to design and deploy open source tools and infrastructures that allow citizens, communities, governments and businesses to operate in radically new ways, and so meet the big social, economic and environmental challenges of our time.
We’re especially focused on addressing challenges related to the built environment – from reimagining homeownership and transforming the planning system, to designing and delivering zero-carbon building technologies that are accessible to all.
As we scale, we\’re looking for experienced freelance web developers to join our team and bring deep expertise to the OSL project portfolio .
You will enjoy this work if you are a:
- Natural doer-deliverer, who can work in an agile way, weigh up priorities and make good judgements, balancing short term delivery against long-term vision and future-proofing.
- Fast learner who knows how to ask for feedback, take it on board, and turn it into meaningful improvements.
- Collaborative interdisciplinary problem-solver who can confidently and consistently see through solutions with minimal external management.
OSL is a fully remote team of specialists who are comfortable operating independently and assuming a high level of autonomy from day one. For this reason, we\’re looking for people who have ample experience working within remote software teams using GitHub and async project management tools. At this time, we\’re not able to support junior developers or those new to working on software teams.
What we\’re looking for
We’re eager to connect if you are experienced in any of the following problem spaces:
- Optimising strategies for data fetching, caching, and routing in React TypeScript apps. Migrating a mix of Apollo GraphQL, SWR, Axios requests and others to a more focused, opinionated framework to improve testing, scalability, and overall app performance
- Building performant, collaborative, low-code editors which utilise JSON Operational Transforms (OT) or Conflict-free Replicated Data Type (CRDT) data structures. Implementing role-based permission models across multiple layers of an application stack
- Integrating with both new and legacy systems like payment processing APIs and document management systems, and contributing to the development of open data standards that support interoperability, especially of planning application data and policies. Thinking about how AI may be applied to these challenges while still prioritising design principles like auditability
- Designing and building web-based tools for 3D modeling of the built environment using ThreeJS, React Three Fiber, Mapbox or similar. Automating pipelines for processing spatial data formats such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) using tools like Rhino, Grasshopper, and Speckle.
- Fine-tuning PostgreSQL databases and managing infrastructure-as-code using tools like Pulumi and AWS. Configuring Github Actions, CI pipelines, and error monitoring to help small developer teams work smarter
What\’s in it for you?
What’s in it for you:
- Work with a small, incredibly talented, friendly, and motivated team of people in a high-expectations, but always kind and inclusive environment. You will be part of a team coming up with creative strategic and tactical solutions together.
- Ridiculously flexible working. Work where you want and when you want (most of the time at least).
- Take a key role in transformative public digital projects, with potential to have a hugely positive impact on improving a key layer of everyday democracy, and giving governments and communities the tools they need to rise to the climate crisis.
Questions? Get in touch
If you\’re interested, please send us a CV, including some examples of relevant work, and a brief cover message telling us what motivates you, which problem space sparked your interest, and why you are interested in this role.
Open Systems Lab is a non-profit company
registered in England & Wales 9152368
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Freelance Web Developer employer: Open Systems Lab
Contact Detail:
Open Systems Lab Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Web Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as React, TypeScript, and Apollo GraphQL. Having hands-on experience or projects that showcase your skills in these areas will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience with remote work and collaboration tools like GitHub and async project management platforms. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in a remote team environment in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your problem-solving skills by thinking through potential challenges related to the built environment. Consider how you might apply AI or other innovative solutions to these issues, as this aligns with the lab's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for the non-profit sector and the specific social challenges OSL is addressing. Tailor your conversation to reflect your motivation for contributing to transformative public digital projects that have a positive impact on society.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Web Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in web development, particularly in the areas mentioned in the job description. Include specific projects that demonstrate your skills in React, TypeScript, and any other technologies listed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Message: In your cover message, express what motivates you to apply for this role. Clearly state which problem space interests you the most and why you believe you would be a good fit for Open Systems Lab.
Showcase Relevant Work Examples: Include links or descriptions of previous work that aligns with the responsibilities of the role. Highlight projects that involved collaborative tools, remote work, or innovative solutions in web development.
Emphasise Remote Work Experience: Since the team operates fully remotely, mention any previous experience working in remote teams. Discuss your familiarity with GitHub and async project management tools to demonstrate your ability to thrive in a remote environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Systems Lab
✨Showcase Your Remote Work Experience
Since the role is fully remote, it's crucial to highlight your experience working in remote teams. Discuss specific tools you've used, like GitHub and async project management platforms, and how they helped you collaborate effectively.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss past projects where you tackled complex problems. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you arrived at solutions, especially in areas related to data fetching, caching, or integrating with legacy systems.
✨Emphasise Your Agile Mindset
The company values a natural doer-deliverer who can balance short-term delivery with long-term vision. Share examples of how you've successfully prioritised tasks and adapted to changing requirements in previous roles.
✨Express Your Passion for Social Impact
Open Systems Lab focuses on addressing significant social, economic, and environmental challenges. Convey your motivation for wanting to work in this space and how your skills can contribute to their mission.
