Employment Opportunities

Informatics Software Developer

Postdoctoral Researcher in informatics/semantics

To develop interoperable ecological and earth science data systems

Graduate Student Assistant - Web Content Coordinator

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 

 

 

 

Informatics Software Developers

The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) is looking for Software Developers to join our team in the Informatics Research and Development program. We are looking for talented software developers with an interest in changing environmental synthesis and analysis through advances in software. Applicants must have enthusiasm and interest in application development supporting the earth and environmental sciences, and a desire to impact the conduct of science through open data and open source approaches.

Duties include systems analysis, design, and development for server, web-based, and desktop scientific data management and analysis applications; web-design and development for ecological informatics web sites; creation of end-user documentation and training materials; and community outreach and training. Contributes to research projects that are part of NCEAS and the UCSB Ecoinformatics Center.

Requires expertise in software design and development using modern programming languages (e.g., Java, C) for web application design and development (e.g., HTML, XML, CSS, XSLT), including scripting languages (e.g., Python, Javascript, AJAX), and understanding of web application frameworks (e.g., Spring, Play, Django). Requires expertise in design and development using relational database, systems. Requires experience with multiple server (Linux) and desktop operating systems (e.g., Windows, Mac OS X) for cross platform application development. Requires thorough understanding of network, Internet, and web programming, and expertise with using software development systems, including build systems (e.g., maven, make, Eclipse), source code control systems (e.g., svn, git), and bug tracking systems. Requires excellent communication skills, including the ability to write end-user documentation about highly technical systems in a manner understandable to ecological and environmental scientists. Bachelor's degree required, preferably in computer science or an ecology/earth/environmental science field.

Experience in or exposure to ecological and environmental science research is desirable, as is background and understanding of statistical analysis and modeling (e.g., in R, Matlab), and approaches to manipulating geospatial data. Experience with software application development for science, including familiarity with statistical, modeling, and geospatial data programming tools and techniques is desirable. Applicants with strong graphic design skills and user interface design expertise are desired. In addition, understanding of and experience with technologies for the semantic web (e.g., RDF, OWL) and Linked Open Data web are desirable.

Applications must be submitted through the UCSB Human Resources web site: http://jobs.ucsb.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=185690. Apply by January 13, 2012 for first consideration, but position will remain open until filled.

 

Postdoctoral Researcher in informatics/semantics

Details of the position can be found here. We seek a postdoctoral scientist to conduct research and development in the area of knowledge representation for the earth and environmental sciences. The work will be done as part of an NSF-funded research program (OCI-INTEROP) that will create a “Scientific Observations Network” (SONet; http://sonet.ecoinformatics.org), by bringing together researchers within the ecological, environmental,and computer sciences, in a community-driven effort to define and develop necessary specifications and technologies to facilitate the semantic interpretation and broad interoperability of scientific data.

Principal research areas on this project include investigating advanced approaches to modeling, querying, and storing scientific data, especially involving knowledge representation; creating formal ontologies for describing the content and structure of ecological and other earth science data; and developing methods for expressing semantic information about heterogeneous scientific data and analyses in network-based data integration and analysis systems. The successful candidate will help research and design effective knowledge models for ecological and earth systems data, through strong engagement with domain scientists, computer scientists, and technologists representing diverse environmental science communities including ecology, hydrology, oceanography, and the biodiversity and geospatial sciences. These knowledge models will be based on identifying and refining foundational constructs in scientific data, such as formalizing structures for generally capturing the essential properties of scientific observations and measurements.

A Ph.D. is required in ecology, environmental or earth systems science, computer science, or a related discipline. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are critical. Experience with large collaborative research projects is beneficial. Initial funding is for one year at 100% FTE, with the possibility of renewal for another year. Salary range starts at $45,461, but is adjustable based on experience. This position will provide an opportunity to participate in the development of additional research projects in the field of data semantics for the natural sciences. Moderate travel is required to collaborate with other project researchers and present at scientific meetings.

Interested applicants should submit: (1) a letter of application, (2) a statement of how her/his educational and research experience qualify the applicant for the position, and (3) a recent curriculum vitae. In addition, the applicant should have three letters of reference submitted on her/his behalf.

Screening of applications will begin immediately, and proceed until the position is filled. Electronic submission of applications and supporting letters is strongly preferred, and should be directed to Dr. Mark Schildhauer at schildatnceas [dot] ucsb [dot] edu. Mailed submissions should be directed to M. Schildhauer, NCEAS -UCSB Ecology Center, 735 State Street, Suite 300, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-5504 USA.

 

Graduate Student Assistant - Web Content Coordinator

The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) is looking to hire a science-savvy Web Content Coordinator. The Web Content Coordinator will be responsible for creating and producing content for the NCEAS website (www.nceas.ucsb.edu), as well as helping to develop strategy and content for online marketing channels. This is a part-time position, 10-20 hours/week.

Duties include:

  • Create and produce science-focused content for the NCEAS website
  • Monitor website content and ensure information displayed on the website is accurate and current, including URL links
  • Track website analytics to optimize effectiveness of website content and presentation
  • Evaluate website to optimize search engine hits
  • Assess website layout to recommend changes to improve visual appeal, intuitiveness and/or ease-of-use
  • Assist with strategies and content of other online marketing channels such as Twitter (@nceas)
  • Assist with other marketing projects or initiatives as needed


Job Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree, preferably in a natural sciences, environmental studies or marketing
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Ability to accurately translate complex scientific findings for the general public
  • High degree of familiarity with issues of ecology and/or the environment
  • Experience with website content development
  • Solid knowledge of HTML basics
  • Experience using Drupal a plus
  • Experience in other online marketing channels such as Twitter, blogs etc.
  • Other marketing experience a plus


Please send a cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications, a CV or resume, and complete contact information for two references to Dr. Stephanie Hampton (hamptonatnceas [dot] ucsb [dot] edu), NCEAS Deputy Director.

 

 
The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service.