Job Description

Job Description

This position will support Geodetic Imaging with a focus on modernizing support for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and other Earth Observation data including updating the SAR archive system to better address the needs of the research community, and to align with EarthScope’s ongoing migration to the Cloud.

• Knowledge of geodetic data and applications
• Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from platforms such as JAXA ALOS-2, DLR TSX, ASI CSK, and ESA Sentinel-1
• InSAR pairwise and time series processing with software such as ISCE, GMTSAR, GAMMA

Job Title : Data Scientist II - Imaging - SAR

Department: Data Services, Geodetic Imaging

Reports to: Engineering Manager III

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status : Exempt

Remote Eligible: Yes, National, United States

Salary: $65,600 - $81,900 (depending on experience)

Position Summary

The Data Scientist II performs data management-related tasks. With occasional supervision, the incumbent will operate software tools and programs to monitor and report data management operations and will create scripts as needed to manage dataflow and archiving. The DSII will perform metadata and data quality checks to ensure integrity of data collection and databases. The incumbent will contribute to reporting for the NSF Quarterly and other sponsor reports and will provide feedback for these reports. The incumbent will assist with web page design and with documentation as required for all aspects of dataflow. The DSII may also produce data products, participate in data event responses, serve as point of contact with third-party software developers, and maintain, operate, or document miscellaneous programs and procedures for post-processing, data/metadata acquisition, or data/metadata delivery. The DSII may produce documentation for the products, software, scripts, and procedures related to data management. The DSII should have a working knowledge of the data being collected as well as instrumentation and geophysical signals being recorded.

Details of Responsibilities

General Essential Job Duties:

• Operate software tools and programs to support data monitoring and reporting.
• Perform metadata and data integrity checks to ensure data quality, quality of data collection, and quality of database.
• Create and maintain scripts as needed to manage dataflow and archiving.
• Assist in the design and develop web pages documenting data processing and/or data management.
• Help develop and refine software tools and programs to support the monitoring and reporting of data management operations.
• Participate in data event responses by creating visualizations and affected station lists.
• Contribute to reporting for NSF quarterly reporting and other award reporting, including providing feedback.
• Provide support for the planning process for hardware resource usage and upgrades.
• Produce data products and help develop, modify, maintain, and document data post-processing programs, scripts, and procedures.
• Deploy, operate, and maintain systems for data/metadata acquisition and for data delivery to end users, partner analysis centers, and data archives.
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary for the successful operation of the business.

Specialized Essential Job Duties:

• Operate systems as needed for data/metadata acquisition and for data delivery to end users, partner analysis centers, and data archives.
• May act as point of contact with third-party software developers.
• May assist as needed in the development of data metrics.
• Interact with various staff to ensure completion of assigned responsibilities.

Leadership and Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility.
• May provide technical guidance to others as needed.
• Assist internal staff as needed in the definition and development of data products and development of data archive protocols.
• Work is reviewed for accuracy and overall quality.
• Supervisor approval required for ideas.
• Works with and supports other staff while working on projects.
• Foster a professional culture using strong interpersonal skills, verbal, and written communication.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with other team members to ensure tasks are completed on time and with best practices.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in geoscience, computer science, physical science, engineering, or related field AND three (3) years data management experience.

OR

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in geoscience, computer science, physical science, engineering, or related field AND one (1) year data management experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability for the position:

• Computer skills needed to run existing programs and software tools.
• Ability to use a structured query language to query databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL).
• Working skill in at least one programming language and operating system.
• Familiarity with basic principles of geology and geophysics.
• Ability to gain and retain knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures for geophysical instruments in EarthScope Consortium-managed networks.
• Able to convey appropriate information effectively.
• Ability to apply logic and reasoning to identify problems and participate in decision making, including:
  1. Assisting with project assessment, planning, and coordination in group settings.
  2. Determining appropriate tools and knowledge needed to complete assigned projects.
• Ability to understand complex problems and to collaborate and explore alternative solutions.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work schedules for self and others.
• Ability to compute, analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to make decisions which have moderate impact on the function and the organization.

Assignment-specific Position Summary

This position will support Geodetic Imaging with a focus on modernizing support for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and other Earth Observation data including updating the SAR archive system to better address the needs of the research community, and to align with EarthScope’s ongoing migration to the Cloud.

Assignment-specific Essential Duties:

• Guide enhancements to tools for federated search and access.
• Update data archive to improve interactivity and address user community requirements.
• Develop cloud-optimized data stores for raw and derived products.
• Build resources to support training and broadening participation, including notebooks and virtual collaboration environments.
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary for the successful operation of the business.

Assignment-specific Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability for the position:

• Knowledge of geodetic data and applications
• Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from platforms such as JAXA ALOS-2, DLR TSX, ASI CSK, and ESA Sentinel-1
• InSAR pairwise and time series processing with software such as ISCE, GMTSAR, GAMMA
• Broad experience with earth observation data and geospatial software and data.
• Python 3 and Jupyter Notebooks
• Postgres SQL databases
• Linux / UNIX operating systems

****Assignment-specific Preferred Skills:

• Cloud native formats (e.g., TileDB, Zarr, COG)
• Amazon Web Services, object storage and distributed file system technologies
• Containerization technologies (e.g., Docker)
• Development of documentation
• Development of training materials & experience teaching technical short courses
• Geoserver or other platforms for sharing and displaying geospatial data
• FAIR data principles

Other Requirements:

• Appropriate availability consistent with EarthScope’s established practices and norms; hours may exceed 40 hours per week, particularly when traveling.

Environment

Physical Setting and Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently required to sit.
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
• Frequently required to talk or hear.
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Specialized equipment, machines, or vehicles used: Ability to see computer screen with detailed screen menu in low lighting conditions.

About EarthScope Consortium, Inc.:

The EarthScope Consortium is funded primarily by the National Science Foundation, and the Consortium facilities are operated in cooperation with member universities, federal agencies, and many international partners. As representatives of the academic world, and stewards of taxpayer dollars, it is important that all of us take these responsibilities seriously and represent the Consortium with the highest of professional and ethical conduct. In turn, know the Consortium places a high value on you, as employees, and that we work diligently to protect your interests and provide competitive and appealing benefits to you and your families.

EarthScope Consortium’s vision and mission provide a governing framework for decision making by the Consortium leadership.

Our Vision: An engaged society, resilient to geohazards, informed by geophysical discovery and global collaboration.

Our Mission: The EarthScope Consortium is a university consortium dedicated to transforming global geophysical research and education.

Our Core Organizational Values: The Consortium’s core values are built upon a foundation of scientific and professional integrity. In order to accomplish our mission of research and education, as a community and science support organization, we value:

● Advancement of community science goals and their relevance to society,

● Excellence, innovation, and cooperation in science, technology, education, and service,

● Open access to data products and scientific exchange,

● Data preservation and stewardship for future science and society,

● Transparent community governance,

● Cultivation of diverse scientific, educational, and social perspectives,

● Efficient and effective use of resources, and

● Strong service ethic and a “can do” attitude.

To Apply: Applicants may apply by going to the EarthScope Consortium, Inc. Career Center: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=1ced9ffc -a792-4233-bf3f-abcac9a25e27&

****Applicants MUST be authorized to work permanently in the United States.

EarthScope Consortium Inc. is unable to provide sponsorship for work authorization within the United States.

EarthScope Consortium Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.