Data Manager / Steward

The University of Helsinki, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, is seeking a

DATA MANAGER / STEWARD

for the fixed-term contract at the Biological Research Stations unit starting 1.8.2024 until 31.12.2028.

We are looking for an expert who can design and set up a data system that provides easy and open access to all the data collected by the Biological Research Stations according to the FAIR principles. The stations have gathered various environmental and ecological data from different environments, in some cases for over hundred years. These data consist of different kinds of automatic and manual observations, laboratory and field experiments and laboratory analyses that are scattered across different systems.

The work is carried out with a close collaboration with other University of Helsinki Research Stations, IT services, HiLife Life Science Data Competence Center and other European infrastructures such as eLTER. The selected person will work in close connection with the Director of the Biological Research Stations and the Data Specialist of the UH Research Stations. The position is supported by the data team that includes personnel from each of the Research Stations.

The University of Helsinki is an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities and ranks among the top 100 international universities in the world. We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits.

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences is Finland’s most high-profile and extensive hub of research and teaching in the field. The Faculty educates experts to meet the needs of universities, research institutes, government, schools and the business sector. The Faculty comprises of three research programmes and has three research stations. One of the goals of the research stations is to develop the station and research infrastructure services based on identified current and future research needs, provide easy and open access to the stations’ data, increase the findability of the data collected by the researchers at the stations and improve the usability of the data.

REQUIREMENTS
 

An appointee to the position should hold some of these

• a masters degree in data science, ecology or equivalent disciplines
• experience in data architecture construction and development
• experience in programming
• Experience with common environmental science software applications (e.g., QGIS) and scripting languages (e.g., Python, SQL, JavaScript, R).

Experience on working with ecological data and API development will be considered an asset, as will the knowledge of European Research Infrastructures, such as eLTER or ICOS. Prior experience in designing and maintaining a database to meet organizational needs gives excellent background in meeting the requirements of this position.

We expect that the data system is constructed so that the data from the stations are connected to existing databases, such as eLTER DEIMS-SDR, INTERACT GIS, and FinBIF whenever possible, but that for some of the data none of the existing databases are suitable options and a tailor-made solution is required. In the planning of the database, the candidate should utilize existing services related to databases, for example from the UH IT services and CSC – IT Center for Science Ltd.

WHAT WE OFFER
 

We offer an interesting opportunity to work in a diverse research environment. The gross salary is between 3500-4500 €/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. Furthermore, University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development.

HOW TO APPLY
 
Please submit your application for the position by 21 April 2024 through our electronic recruitment system by clicking the link below. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) must submit their applications through the SAP HR portal. The application must include a cover letter and CV in a single file (pdf). The appointment will be made as soon as possible and it lasts until 31.12.2028. Trial period of 6 months will be applied.

Further information about the position can be obtained from Jouni Heiskanen, Director of the Biological Research Stations, jouni.heiskanen@helsinki.fi, +358 50 438 1808, or from Tanja Lindholm, Data Specialist, Tanja.lindholm@helsinki.fi, +358 50 471 5429.

For more detailed instructions, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-biological-and-environmental-sciences/faculty/join-us.

In case you need support with the recruitment system, please contact recruitment(at)helsinki.fi.

More about working at the University of Helsinki www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university

10 reasons to work in Helsinki www.helsinki.fi/en/university/10-reasons-to-work-in-helsinki

Finnish way of life www.helsinki.fi/en/university/enjoy-the-finnish-way-of-life.