Scientific Data Specialist

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a world-leading organization supporting ocean discovery and technological innovation for science, society, and industry. ONC is a Major Science Initiative funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and is governed by a not-for-profit society that operates the world-class innovative deep sea and coastal cabled observatories on behalf of the University of Victoria.

ONC’s Observatory Digital Operations Division is mandated to ensure the acquisition, curation and delivery of high-quality data to all ONC users, including the global research community, indigenous and community partners, and industry partners.

The Scientific Data Specialist is responsible for the development of sophisticated data products, including verification and quality assessment of real-time and archived data. These data products enable scientific and non-scientific users to understand, interpret and analyze the information collected via the instruments on the network operated by ONC.

This position will be suitable for someone with

• Scientific instrument experience, including both configuration and hands-on work;
• Familiarity with oceanographic sampling and broad oceanography concepts;
• Next generation analytics background, including experience with machine learning / AI concepts

The salary range for this position is

Recruitment range: $68,097 - $76,641 starting salary determined by the PEA Collective Agreement.

Performance range: starting salary to max of $89,370 is available through annual performance increases.

UVic compensation is competitive with

• Annual salary increases – 3% progression increases up to the salary job rate, and 2% performance increases from the job rate to the ceiling, of the salary range
• 7 hour work days and 35 hour work weeks
• Generous vacation time off - 22 days to start, increasing to 25 days
• Leaves – maternity, parental, adoption, personnel, sick and long term disability
• Flexibility in arranging work schedules
• Access to personal and central professional development funds
• Diverse range of learning and development opportunities
• Sustainability initiatives including discounted transit passes and a pedestrian and bike friendly campus

UVic contributes to your and your family’s health and well-being through its

• Comprehensive medical, dental and pension benefits
• Employee and family assistance program
• Discounted athletic facility membership
• Access to health and wellness tools and resources to support you in finding work-life balance
• Some eligibility criteria apply for term positions

Job Summary

Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a world-leading organization supporting ocean discovery and technological innovation. ONC is a not-for-profit society that operates and manages innovative cabled observatories on behalf of the University of Victoria that supply continuous power and Internet connectivity to various scientific instruments located in coastal, deep-ocean, and Arctic environments.

ONC's cable arrays host hundreds of sensors distributed in, on and above the seabed along with mobile and land based assets strategically located. These instruments address key scientific and policy issues (subsea earthquakes and tsunamis, ocean acidification, marine biodiversity, etc.) within a wide range of environments.

The Scientific Data Specialist is responsible for the development of sophisticated data products, including verification and quality assessment of real-time and archived data. These data products enable scientific and non-scientific users to understand, interpret and analyze the information collected via the instruments on the network operated by ONC.

Job Requirements

The Scientific Data Specialist will have a Master's degree in Earth and Ocean Sciences or related field and 2-3 years of experience working with data from oceanographic instruments, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Essential qualifications include excellent problem solving and interpersonal skills as well as a strong quantitative and technical background in relevant fields.

The following knowledge and experience is required

• experience developing data products using computational and data analysis/visualization packages such as Matlab, R, IDL and Mathematica or their public domain equivalents
• experience with time series and spatial analysis
• excellent skills in quantitative data validation
• knowledge of scientific data formats/standards such as netCDF, HDF, SensorML or other XML-based formats used in Earth and Ocean Sciences
• proven ability to take projects from conception to completion
• experience with relational databases, modelling and simulation, and using query tools such as SQL
• Moreover, the following characteristics would be desirable:
• practical experience in R, C/C++ or Java, XML or HTML and scripting languages
• some experience with handling or maintaining oceanographic instruments

Territory acknowledgement

We acknowledge and respect the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Equity and Diversity Statement

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity.

Read our full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.

Accessibility Statement

If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact: uviccareers@uvic.ca Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

University of Victoria -> VP Research -> Ocean Networks Canada

Posting Close Date: 11 January 2023 (4pm)

Salary Grade

• $68,097.00 - $89,370.00

Start Date

• 1/23/2023

End Date

• 1/25/2025