Research Associate II - OOI

Key Skills

Data Visualization, Database, Geospatial Statistical, Large data sets, Linux Operating system, MATLAB Programming, Oceanography, PostgreSQL, Python Programming, R Programming, Shell Scripting language, SQL, Unix Operating system, Web APIs

Job Description

The Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department is searching for a data scientist to join the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) Coastal and Global Scale Nodes (CGSN) Data Team. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits. Occasional remote work is allowable.

This operationally- and data-focused team is responsible for ensuring that data from oceanographic moorings and vehicles are being served to the science community with appropriate quality flags and annotations, working to improve data quality through changes in instrumentation, infrastructure, or processes, and working with science users on data access and issues. OOI is an NSF funded project with the purpose of providing infrastructure and instrumentation to measure physical, chemical and biological processes for the scientific community.

The internal working title for this position could be either Research Associate II. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate's level of education & experience.

Essential Functions

• Support data and metadata delivery and availability from three instrumented ocean observatories (~15 moorings, 2 AUVs, and multiple gliders).
• Support ingestion of real-time and recovered time-series data into the OOI Cyberinfrastructure.
• Monitor data that is telemetered to shore from deployed platforms, and identify issues with instruments. Work with CGSN operations and engineering teams to rectify issues and create issue descriptions (annotations).
• Develop and/or use tools or scripts to analyze/plot data from instruments or collections of instruments for data quality and system performance assessment.
• Create data quality flags and data annotations to be communicated to end users via a web-based database application using a combination of automated and manual data assessment tools.
• Assist in the development and implementation of community standard quality control algorithms for real-time data (e.g., QARTOD).

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor

Education & Experience

For Research Associate II – 

Master's degree in a specifically related field (e.g., oceanography, physics, chemistry, biology, a related geophysical science, or data science) with some relevant experience, or Bachelor's degree in a related field with several years of relevant experience, or equivalent experience in the absence of a formal degree.

Experience:

• Experience with large data sets, databases, data delivery (e.g., APIs, ERDDAP, PostgreSQL), and data visualization. Experience with geophysical data sets is a plus.
• Experience with scientific programming, including proficiency with common data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R, UNIX shell scripts, SQL queries, etc.).
• Experience/familiarity with PC, Mac, and Linux computing platforms.
• Practical experience with scientific instruments, particularly oceanographic instruments is a plus.
• Motivated individual demonstrating strong attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, and documentation proficiency.
• Good time management skills – the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and bring them to timely completion.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Special Requirements

• United States citizen or permanent resident

WHOI has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in effect, where you must register your full vaccination status (vaccination plus booster) in order to begin employment. The registration process is confidential and entails submitting your official vaccination records or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason.

Physical Requirements

Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift less than 25 lbs independently, 2 times per day; carry 10-25 lbs, 2 times per day. Visual abilities to include near, far, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to distinguish basic colors. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear and respond to instructions, communicate effectively in loud areas (pier/dock, warehouse). Other physical tasks include occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic /fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, reaching above and below the shoulders, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending, twisting, and stooping. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Will be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical/mechanical/power equipment hazards. Physical duties are subject to change.