Associate Research Scientist

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University located in Palisades, New York is seeking an Associate Research Scientist to join its Geoinformatics Research Group.  The Associate Research Scientist will conduct research related to digital information systems for physical samples and collections, including information modelling, persistent sample identifiers, metadata quality assessment methodologies, and tools/GUIs that support sample and data registration, metadata management, and qualify assessment.  

Will serve as Principal Investigator on current grants (IEDA2, Internet of Samples, Sampling Nature RCN) and future proposals pertaining to the development and operation of cyberinfrastructure for physical samples. Act as Product Manager for the System for Earth Sample Registration (SESAR): create vision, strategy, and actionable workplans for SESAR services; oversee SESAR data curation, user support, and community engagement, including the SESAR web site; participate in the IEDA2 Management Team. Attend conferences and workshops to disseminate project results and gather feedback. Publish in the scientific literature.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Oversee SESAR data curation, user support, and community engagement, including the SESAR web site; create vision and strategy for improving SESAR services and sustainable operation; coordinate technical developments  in collaboration with the IEDA2 and iSamples technical team; develop actionable workplans for SESAR operation and development; participate in the IEDA2 Management Team.
• Work with iSamples technical team on requirements for the iSamples Cyberinfrastructure specifications with specific focus on ensuring that SESAR requirements are met; coordinate migration of SESAR to the iSamples architecture; organize regular PI meetings and other project events such as PI workshops and hackathons; present about iSamples at conferences and workshops, disseminate project results; ensure timely annual and final reporting to NSF.
• Participate in and coordinate working groups (WG) of the Sampling Nature RCN; lead the WG on Training Materials, participate in the RCN’s Steering Committee; help organize and participate in workshops; maintain the web site of the RCN; contribute to community engagement, reporting, and publications.
• Independent judgment and initiative expected as well as supervision of data curators performing data and metadata quality control, data documentation, and ingestion into databases. Receives general supervision from Doherty Senior Research Scientist.
• Some responsibility for budgets pertaining to purchases and travel.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, Information Sciences, and/or related field and a minimum of 6 years' experience in scientific data management, data stewardship, data modeling, and the digital management of physical samples and collections.  Demonstrated experience in project management and community leadership.  Must be highly organized and efficient and possess excellent oral and written communication skills.  

Appointments are made on a fiscal year basis and are eligible for renewal each July 1st, contingent upon performance and funding.  

The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will continue until the position is filled.

Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.  

The Lamont community values diversity and inclusion, and encourages applications from members of underrepresented minority groups.  

We accept online applications only.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran