Database Analyst (IT)

The Arizona State University (ASU) School of Life Sciences and Biodiversity Knowledge Integration Center (BioKIC) is seeking a Biodiversity Informatician for the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Biorepository. NEON (neonscience.org) is a continental-scale ecological observation facility, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and operated by Battelle. The project is expected to run for 30 years. For each project year, the NEON Biorepository at ASU will receive, process, store, and make available an average of 100,000 biodiversity occurrences sampled at more than 80 sites across the United States. The diverse samples include DNA extractions, frozen soil samples, bulk and pinned insect collections, herbarium vouchers, and partial or entire vertebrate specimens, among others. A high rate of sample use for NEON-related research projects is expected. The NEON Biorepository will facilitate this by creating a data portal – sustained by the open source Symbiota software platform – to support occurrence discovery, tracking of sample transactions, integration of collections data and usage statistics (publications, etc.), and by maintaining high-quality biodiversity data in compliance with international standards. The biodiversity informatician will play a critical role in providing and refining these services to benefit the greater NEON research community.

Essential Duties

The biodiversity informatician (Database Analyst) will work in close collaboration with curators, informaticians, collection managers, and researchers and students affiliated with the NEON Biorepository. The selected candidate will be responsible for coordinating and improving the day-to-today flow of data to and from the portal, and enhance data quality, usability, workflows, and products. As part of the Symbiota software development team at ASU, the biodiversity informatician will play a leading or supporting role in managing the portal infrastructure and developing new portal functions and data services. Regular communication with a broad spectrum of portal contributors and users will be critical. Additional responsibilities may include participation in the development of a teaching curriculum in biodiversity informatics. Collaborative research related to the NEON Biorepository portal's information services and data/quality trends will be encouraged.Advanced knowledge of biodiversity informatics, encompassing biological (systematic, ecological) and computer science knowledge domains (SQL, network administration, scripting, web application development, etc.). Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in biodiversity database and software development, biodiversity research, digitization of biocollections, and data publications using (e.g.) Darwin Core and the Global Genome Biodiversity Network data standards. Excellent communication skills are required to interact effectively with all portal contributors and users. Sound organizational and mentoring skills will be needed to train and oversee contributing researchers and students, in order to achieve high-quality, scalable biodiversity data services for the NEON Biorepository.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or closely related field and 2 years database modeling, creating and editing stored procedures including needs assessment of enterprise wide database needs OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Evidence of a  Graduate degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in biology or computer/information science.

• Demonstrated knowledge with biocollections management and biodiversity informatics (4 years).

• Demonstrated knowledge of biodiversity data standards, data workflows, quality control, and publication processes.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and methods of building and maintaining relational (SQL) databases to support research data networks.

• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary web applications development, programming languages (e.g., Java, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby), and server administration.

• Experience in adapting to new challenges.

• Evidence of effective verbal and written communication skills.

Working Environment

The position is located in ASU's newly renovated Natural History Collections facility (Alameda Building), located ca. 2 miles southwest of the main Tempe campus. The facility will be further modified to meet the long-term requirements of the NEON Biorepository. In addition to housing nine collections and affiliated personnel, the facility includes spaces dedicated to student training and public education.

Department Statement

The School of Life Sciences (SOLS) has provided a vital hub for creative excellence at Arizona State University, with more than 670 faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and staff, and research that ranges from studies on biodiesel and biohydrogen to vaccine development and the conservation of whales. As ASU’s first academic unit to fully reflect President Michael Crow’s integrated, interdisciplinary vision for the New American University, the School of Life Sciences offers active and evolving platforms for collaborative, cutting-edge research and faculty whose discovery is freed from traditional institutional boundaries.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 90,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe. 

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit www.asu.edu/tobaccofree 

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. 

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.