UX Engineer, Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS)

About

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in Washington, D.C., offering rigorous academic programs and a global perspective. The Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) is a research organization focused on studying security impacts of emerging technologies, supporting academic work, and delivering nonpartisan analysis to technologists and policymakers. CSET focuses on artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and biotechnology. The Emerging Technology Observatory (ETO) is a free public platform providing data and insights on critical emerging technology issues.

Job Overview

The UX Engineer will own UX improvements end-to-end, from user research and prototyping through implementation and release. They will work collaboratively with software engineers, data scientists, and research fellows to design, build, improve, and maintain user-friendly and accessible websites and dynamic interfaces for CSET's digital presence. The role includes partnering with CSET's Communications team and external web vendor to support appealing and consistent design and user experience.

Responsibilities/Work Interactions

• Build, test, and deploy front-end code (primarily using React; other frameworks as needed) for ETO websites and other CSET digital products
• Design and conduct user research (e.g., interviews) and translate findings into actionable UX recommendations and priorities
• Coordinate with Data Team, Communications Team, and CSET's web vendor to drive cohesive, visually consistent UI/UX improvements
• Partner with stakeholders to select and prioritize features addressing user needs and aligning with CSET's brand
• Implement design and usability improvements on wireframes, prototypes, released products, and digital platforms
• Create mockups and deliver production-ready code, sites, and interfaces
• Develop and conduct usability and accessibility testing plans ensuring compliance for all releases
• Support and streamline digital publication workflows including integration of interactive data visualizations
• Monitor trends and developments in AI, ML, biotechnology, and national security policy
• Contribute to CSET's organizational development, including internal working groups, seminars, and discussions
• Support and mentor colleagues
• Uphold CSET's mission, values, and culture statement
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of 7 years of user interface design and development experience (including graduate coursework)
• Proficiency in Javascript, HTML, and CSS
• Experience using Figma or similar tools for prototyping and collaboration
• Experience using modern frameworks such as React (via Gatsby, Next.js, or similar) or astro.build
• Experience working in a cloud-hosted environment (e.g., Google Cloud Platform, AWS, or similar)
• Ability to work successfully in a highly collaborative team environment with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• High degree of flexibility as requirements and priorities evolve
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Motivated, enthusiastic, intellectually curious, and self-driven
• Alignment with CSET's mission, values, and culture statement
• Ability to work in the United States without employer sponsorship

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Knowledge of front-end testing and CI/CD workflows
• Experience with SQL and Python, or interest in learning
• Experience working in Google Cloud Platform, or interest in learning
• Experience writing technical documentation
• Experience collaborating on GitHub

Work Mode

This position is designated as hybrid, requiring work from CSET's D.C. office at least 2-3 days per week.

Benefits

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts, and various voluntary insurance options.