The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History (YPM) and Yale University invite applications for a data scientist to help develop and advance the innovative use of informatics tools for the synthesis and utilization of biodiversity information in research and education. The YPM is among the oldest, largest, and most active university natural history museums in the world. The museum has a strong track record in specimen digitization and database efforts and in contributing to national biodiversity informatics initiatives. The university hosts a range of activities in biodiversity data science and global change, including the Max Planck Yale Center of Biodiversity Movement and Global Change and digital infrastructure projects addressing global phylogenies, remote sensing, and species distributions (Map of Life).
The Head of Biodiversity Informatics and Data Science is expected to support the development of an expanded vision for biodiversity- and specimen-based informatics that links the YPM scientific divisions and other university activities with the goal of developing national and international leadership roles in this arena. Responsibilities include: advancing the innovative use of informatics tools for the synthesis and utilization of biodiversity information in research and education; setting priorities and developing plans and initiatives related to Biodiversity Informatics and Data Science; partnering in the development of grant proposals for funding of informatics and data science projects; facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations and research programs at the museum, University, and national and international levels; serving as a liaison and/or representative of YPM and its partner projects.
We seek an outstanding applicant working in any area of ecology, evolution, or paleobiology, and with demonstrated informatics expertise and a passion for contributing to this vision. A record of outstanding achievement and a promising research program are more important than the specific scientific area. While developer skills (below) are required, we seek candidates with active research programs and a strong record in obtaining funding in this area.
We expect candidates to bring a range of skills spanning software and database development, and to specifically have the following qualifications: – Experience in taxonomic integration, such as familiarity with concepts and tools addressing taxonomic harmonization. – Familiarity with taxonomic naming concept management and formal knowledge representation addressing ontologies and semantics. – Experience with Web GIS development. – Experience in relational database management and SQL, with Postgres/PostGIS experience particularly welcome. – Experience with API development. – Programming skills in Python and R required; JavaScript and Java a plus. – Experience in R package development. – Background in cloud architecture, cloud data flows and pipelines.
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills: Ph.D. in the natural sciences or computer sciences. Experience in planning, development, and implementation of biodiversity informatics projects or equivalent combination of education and experience. Competency in innovative approaches for data integration and data fusion. Previous experience with highly technical and collaborative projects.
Application: To apply, please go to http://bit.ly/2fGpt34. The review of applications will begin 2 October 2017; the search will remain open until the position is filled.
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