Data Scientist - Semantic Specialist

Salary - £36,245 to £38,463
Hybrid working (50/50)
Permanent, Full-time, Part-time options considered
We will start reviewing applications from Monday, 16th September 2024. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) is looking for a Data Scientist – Semantic Specialist to develop and implement semantic web approaches that will advance data interoperability and metadata management across our broad and diverse digital assets. You’lljoin our team of talented individuals, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges.

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

As a valued member of our team, you’ll get:

27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years, plus 3 days for our Christmas closure 

10% employer pension contribution

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements)

24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues plus access to our trained Welfare Officers

Flexible working opportunities

...

You'll be joining the Environmental Data Science group at UKCEH Lancaster to work on developing a Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) in line with . You’ll play a crucial role in developing innovative approaches to exploit and integrate the data we collect, enhancing its discoverability within the wider environmental science community.

UKCEH’s DRI will support the lifecycle of environmental data, from collection and processing to analysis and publication. This involves developing a range of services for stakeholders, including applications for data collection, tools to manage data and other research, virtual laboratories for scientific collaboration, visualisation & decision-making tools for organisations/policymakers, and technologies for public engagement.

You’ll be working with a variety of DRI assets (e.g., data, models, methods, workflows) from across the UKCEH portfolio focusing on the use of semantic data science techniques to promote the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles. You’llhelp us address increasingly complex scientific questions and improve the efficiency of our processes. We want you to be an advocate for FAIR principles within UKCEH, the NERC Environmental Data Service, and the broader environmental science community.

You'll ensure these techniques are incorporated into UKCEH’s DRI to support the future integration of data and assets. This will involve close collaboration with the rest of the Environmental Data Science group, an expanding multidisciplinary team that employs co-design approaches to develop the DRI for environmental science.

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Exploiting data science techniques such as semantic data modelling, natural language processing and the use of ontologies to add value and meaning to data – helping to make it more understandable and useful. Researching and developing novel and reusable approaches to enhance discoverability of UKCEH data and assets, specifically large scale, long-term environmental data Using semantic data science techniques to investigate ways of integrating a broad range of data and assets available in the UKCEH portfolio Reflecting on, evaluating and responding to the environmental impact of the approaches you use and develop. Working closely with other members of the Environmental Data Science team to embed semantic data science tools and techniques into the DRI and make them available to the research community

For the role of Environmental Data Scientist, we’re looking for somebody who has:

A good degree in an appropriate subject (e.g., data science, environmental science or computer science), as well as a PhD or equivalent relevant experience Knowledge and experience of semantic data models and semantic technologies such as graph databases/ triple stores, RDF, OWL, SPARQL  Demonstrable experience in the use of semantic data science techniques to support the discovery, use and interoperability of digital assets An aptitude for learning new data science technologies and techniques for integrating, sharing and enhancing discoverability of data and other assets Evidence of continuing professional development and up to date knowledge of research in their field, including research experience of applying data science skills, ideally in an environmental context The ability to effectively present to and collaborate with people from different areas of expertise/scientific domains and work well within a team Scientific programming skills (for example Python, R) Experience of Research Data Management frameworks/Data Commons and associated national and global initiatives (e.g., RDA, DataCite) (Desirable)

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position at this time.

If we’ve just described you, we’d love to meet. Apply now.