Bff-afirms data scientist

Department Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Renewable Resources Dept

Salary range $87,013 to $97,890

Hours per week

Posted date November 29, 2024

Closing date January 10, 2025

Position Type Full Time - Trust Funded

Description

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement this position has an approximate appointment of three years and offers a comprehensive benefits package found at Faculty & Staff Benefits and an annual salary range of $87,013 to $97,890.

Location - This role is in person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people -- from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more .

Working for the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences

About the project: BFF-AFIRMS, (Best Future Forest: Advanced Forest Genomics and Integrative Resource Management System), is a transformative initiative aimed at digitalizing forest resource management and tree improvement in Alberta, Canada. This is a joint effort across Government of Alberta, industry partners of Tree Improvement of Alberta, University of Alberta (CA), and Oklahoma State University (USA), aiming to integrate high-throughput genotyping, predictive analytics, and decision-making science to ensure responsible stewardship of forest genetic resources in the face of climate challenges, as well as increasing demand for sustainable forest ecosystems and products.

Position

Position overview: BFF-AFIRMS invites applications for a highly skilled Data scientist to design, implement, and manage a state-of-the-art relational database system for BFF-AFIRMS. The successful candidate will have deep expertise in database architecture, relational data management, and cutting-edge technologies to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and reliability of our integrative data systems. In the era of high-throughput biology and data-driven decision science, the candidate will lead a computational effort to integrate BFF-AFIRMS’ multi-dimensional data and provide decision support for policymaking for tree improvement and forest genetic resource management.

This position is for 3 years, for a specific research project, working with 2 other potential postdoc fellows or research associates reporting to Dr. Barb Thomas, the PI and budget holder. This project is working with Dr. Charles Chen at Oklahoma State University and therefore travel may be required to visit the USA.

Duties

• Design and implement a scalable, high-performance relational database system to support the BFF-AFIRMS project’s diverse data needs, including genomic, phenotypic, and environmental data.
• Develop and maintain robust database schemas, data models, and relationships to efficiently manage large volumes of complex data.
• Optimize database performance through advanced indexing, query tuning, and data normalization techniques.
• Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with best practices and industry and government standards.
• Collaborate with the Government of Alberta and Tree Improvement of Alberta, BFF-AFIRM’s bioinformaticians and quantitative geneticists, and other stakeholders to integrate data from multiple sources and support advanced analytical and decision-support tools.
• Troubleshoot and resolve database issues, including performance bottlenecks, data inconsistencies, and system errors.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in database technologies and incorporate innovative solutions to enhance database functionality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Database Engineering, Computational Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in database design and engineering, administration, and operational support.
• Proficiency in traditional RDMS (Relational Database Management System) technologies such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, or SQL Server.
• Expertise in SQL and database design principles, including data modelling, normalization, optimization, and indexing.
• Knowledge of data warehousing, ETL processes, and integration techniques.
• Familiarity with genomic data and large-scale sequence analysis is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, excellent communication skills in a multi-disciplinary team, and a passion for translational science.
• Willingness (and ability) to travel between the US and Canada.
• Experience with plant breeding and biological databases is preferred but not required.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight January 10, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.