Google is looking to boost search quality in a variety of ways – through algorithm updates like Panda, through giving users the ability to block domains, and by unleashing the +1 button, to name a few.

Another thing that might help is the simple addition of talent to the Search Quality team, which is why Google is hiring in that department.

Plenty of people complain about the quality of Google’s search results, but how many think they have something to contribute to actually make them better? If you think you have what it takes, they are calling for applications through their search engineering page.  The application says:

You are a talented, creative and motivated Software Engineer who will focus on our search quality, search relevance, and web search infrastructure. Your work will be challenging, creative, fast-paced, and intellectually stimulating. Software Engineers have strong analytical skills, unwavering commitment to quality, a collaborative work ethic and cutting-edge technical skills.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain pipelines that create search indexes out of data from large databases.
• Conceive of and implement new features and ranking changes to improve search and ultimately help users both find what they want and interesting new content.
• Continually improve/enhance Google search quality and websearch infrastructure.

Requirements:

• BS or MS in Computer Science or equivalent experience (PhD a plus).
• Extensive experience programming in C/C++ or Java and experience programming in Python a plus.
• Experience developing/designing large software systems.
• Experience in distributed computing, information retrieval, data mining, and machine learning a plus.

“We work on everything from synonyms and spell correction to core ranking, UI changes, evaluation, and yes–even webspam,” says head of webspam, Matt Cutts. “The sorts of people that do really well in Google tend to be smart, personable, can work well in teams or independently, get things done, and take initiative.”

“It helps to have a healthy balance of theory as well as the pragmatic ability to build/launch real systems,” he adds.

According to Cutts, most of the team is based in Google’s home of Mountain View, California.

Google makes adjustments to its search algorithm on a daily basis, and stresses quality of results often. The latest major update by the name of Panda has been both lauded and criticized.

Any new additions to the team could play key roles in future algorithm updates and quality-related feature launches, which clearly have an enormous impact on the web at large.