That is a typical UW "minimum" salary for listing and classification purposes.  Based on personal experience, the actual offer would be commensurate with experience (modulo what a University can actually pay developers which goes far above 55k but not as high as a Silicon Valley job).<p>Putting aside how this is such a unique opportunity and just looking at the financial compensation aspects of being asked to live in a remote facility: wouldn't this be an awesome way to save up money for a few years?  All living expenses are paid while you are down there and there is nowhere to spend money.