Ocean Career: SCRIPPS Hydrographic Data Curator

Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is one of the most important centers for global earth science research and education in the world. Scripps scientists work to understand and protect the planet by investigating our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. Scripps leads research in climate change impacts and adaptation, resilience to hazards, conservation and biodiversity, oceans and human health, national security, and innovative technology to observe the planet.

Research in the Geosciences Research Division (GRD) embraces atmospheric, marine and solid earth chemistry, cosmochemistry, paleoceanography and paleoclimate, stratigraphy, geobiology and paleoecology, hydrogeology, global and regional tectonics, and paleomagnetism. GRD is home to 38 academics in various titles (Professor, Research Professor, Research Scientist, Project Scientist and Specialist), 10 Research Associates and Visiting Scholars, 10 Postdoctoral Scholars, 45 graduate students and 45 staff. GRD expends approximately $10 million annually in federal, state and private funds.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Assembles diverse and heterogeneous CTD and hydrographic bottle data from an array of sampling programs (e.g., CCHDO, GRISO, SOCCOM, GO-BGC) and performs “Level 0” quality control to check and standardize formats, parameter names, and units; performs “Level 1” quality control, checking for consistency/precision/accuracy within one cruise’s Level 1 data sets to identify errors such as wrong flag sets, mismatches between date-times or locations, etc. Standardizes cruise report documents, and extracts and structures metadata from multiple sources. Tracks submitted and overdue data, and communicates with scientists as needed to resolve quality issues. Assembles datasets into community-standard merged products. Works effectively with a small, engaged team to improve overall efficiency and QC procedures, developing new routines and tools as needed.

Works on research data reporting assignments that are of moderate diversity in scope. Exercises judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in oceanography, library science, data science or related field plus two (2) years of related experience / training or equivalent experience / training. Master’s degree in oceanography, library science, data science or related field preferred.
  • Working knowledge of research function. Experience working with scientific data sets required.
  • Knowledge and familiarity with earth sciences data sets, and comfort handling and interpreting them.
  • Experience in statistical analysis, systems programming, database design and data security measures. Knowledge of data management and programming best practices, including Python.
  • Experience in acquisition, maintenance and manipulation of large and varied data sets and formats.
  • Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Ability to work with and interact effectively with various oceanographic researchers, principal investigators, and data product end-users.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including initiative and diplomacy, and the ability to work with people from diverse background and educational levels.
  • Strong attention to detail in processing, integrating, documenting and reporting large scale ocean data sets, preferably CTD data.
  • Ability to work independently with a strong ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines in a high production environment with rapidly changing work requirements.

Annual Full Pay Range: $67,200 – $119,600

Application Deadline: May 5, 2024

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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