Data Management Specialist 2 – Bioinformaticist

Description: This position seeks qualified applicants to work with collaborators at NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) on the analysis of existing and future datasets using bioinformatics tools for population genomics and environmental DNA approaches. 

The ideal candidate will also provide data management support. Work will include the development, validation, and training for the use of bioinformatic tools. Data analysis could include lcWGS to variant calling, RADseq data analysis for population genomics, eDNA metabarcoding bioinformatics analysis of marine fish and mammal species, and genome skimming assembly of whole mitochondrial genomes from vouchered marine specimens. 

This hire will work closely both with NWFSC project leads as well as bioinformaticists hired across NOAA Fisheries Science Centers in support of the Omics Inflation Reduction Act Strategic Initiative, which uses population genomic and eDNA approaches in support of protected species, ecosystems, and fisheries stock assessments.

Data Management Specialists (Natural Sciences) use a background in the natural sciences as they assist in the population, maintenance, enhancement and distribution of databases. They locate, obtain, standardize, enter, verify, and correct various data sets related to project goals and work plans.

Responsibilities: The functions listed below are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this position.

At the lower end of the range, Data Management Specialists (Natural Sciences):

Compile project data into standardized electronic data formats. This includes accessing filed information and verifying its accuracy and completeness, performing data entry, electronic data transfer, editing, and error checking.

Extract relevant data which may be presented in many different text and numeric formats, reports, tables, graphics, or figures.

Maintain local versions of datasets in accordance with established regional database

exchange formats and standards.

Maintain a local archive of current and historical reports and documents. Coordinate the regular transfer of reference materials to archives and libraries.

Train technical and general users in the use of database and/or bioinformatics applications through individual instruction and/or group presentations.

Create queries, summaries, and/or maps in response to requests for customized data.

Prepare and manipulate various data and graphic outputs for use in reports, presentations and internet applications using standardized retrieval scripts.

At the upper end of the range, employees:

Develop and implement databases and libraries, data management plans. Includes acquiring new data as well as taking previously created or historical databases or spreadsheets and integrating them. Data sources vary in format including database, spreadsheet, and survey data sets. Custom interfaces may be required.

Produce written research and statistical reports (including graphs, tables, maps, and text), data sets, and data summaries using a variety of analytical techniques and software tools.

This involves the master-level use of database retrieval, bioinformatics, or command-line scripts.

Qualifications: A range of experience and education may be presented. Candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** AND four years of successfully completed education above high school in the natural sciences (biology, fishery biology, environmental science, aquatic science, geology, chemistry, physics, mathematics). An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled. To be creditable, Specialized Experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

The employee must have knowledge of:

natural sciences

computers and software packages and applications for databases, spreadsheets, and word processing

data management concepts, principles, and methods

quality assurance principles

technical documentation methods and procedures

analytical methods and common query languages

the organization’s data sets sufficient to: input data; structure information retrievals; edit, combine and manipulate data; and/or provide reports for users. This knowledge allows the employee to assess the results and relate that to the overall objective of the assignment.

Additional Mandatory/Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

R

Database software

Linux / command-line programming (bash, python, Perl, C, or similar)

Bioinformatics software, including that used for genome or transcriptome assembly, genome alignment, genome or transcriptome annotation, variant calling, gene expression analysis, population genomic analysis, eDNA metabarcoding analysis and database building/curation

Learn more and apply here.