Recent vacancies

BODC has an international reputation for the management of multi-disciplinary oceanographic data and handles large volumes of highly diverse data from a multitude of sources. We are at the forefront in developing techniques for the processing, presentation and dissemination of data using computing technology and we wish to expand the portfolio of services we offer. Current projects include

• building a harvesting web portal for European sea level data
• deploying OGC WxS services for web display of spatial data
• evolving a Web Service-based vocabulary server into an ontology server
• upgrading a real-time data visualisation and quality control tool
• building tools to interface between XML documents and Oracle database schemas

Infrastructure and web delivery applications are developed internally by a small IT group who work closely, in a team environment, with our Data Scientists. The application development tools currently in use include Java (incorporating SQL), JSP, Tomcat and Apache Axis and ESRI ArcIMS. Other technologies such as MapServer, GeoServer, GeoNetwork and Python are being considered for future projects. Back office elements will be developed in Java or Matlab.

We operate a dual architecture distributed computing system based on Microsoft Windows XP and Unix workstations. This includes database and file servers, plus mass store. Our primary databases are held under the Oracle RDBMS.

Duties of the post

• Develop, test, deploy and maintain dynamic web applications in Java in a Unix (Solaris and Linux) web-serving environment running Apache and Tomcat and other open source technologies. Code new operational infrastructure and web-delivery software to specifications provided by the primary software developers.
• Establish a close working relationship with the BODC software developers and Data Scientists whose efforts are presented through the web site.

Skills and qualifications

A minimum requirement for the post is an HNC/HND, preferably in a scientific subject including computer science. In addition, suitable candidates must be able to demonstrate a track record of software development in the environments described above.

Candidates must be self-motivated with good communication, planning and problem-solving skills. Experience of working in a small development team environment would be advantageous.

The Surface Ocean - Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS) has a vacancy for a Project Integrator. They will help the UK and International community produce air-sea flux products from the data being generated worldwide by SOLAS.

SOLAS is an international research initiative that has as its goal "to achieve quantitative understanding of the key biogeochemical-physical interactions and feedbacks between the ocean and the atmosphere, and of how this coupled system affects and is affected by climate and environment change".

The post will be located either at the School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia or at BODC. Significant time will also be spent at the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research, Exeter.

Duties of the post

The postholder will be expected to assist and help to organise groups of SOLAS scientists from around the world. The main duties will be to

• Compile all existing SOLAS-relevant data sets of suitable quality from all countries into a common framework, in an appropriate format for use by climate and air quality modellers.
• Intercalibrate and compare different data sets and methods, and assess the errors within them.
• Compare data products with research users' model outputs.
• Facilitate the inclusion of the latest chemical and biological understanding of trace gas production into coupled models used for predicting regional and global climate.
• Assist in assessing the role of the oceans in regulating air quality and the atmosphere's oxidising capacity.
• Synthesise knowledge of likely changes in air-sea exchange under various global change scenarios, in collaboration with research users.

The postholder may also become directly involved in producing particular air-sea flux products, depending on their expertise and interest.

Skills and qualifications

A minimum requirement for the post is a BSc and ideally a PhD (or equivalent) in environmental sciences, oceanography, atmospheric chemistry or another relevant subject. An interest in the science of SOLAS is vital and demonstrable skills in data management and handling desirable.

Good organisational and interpersonal skills are necessary, as is the ability to work with colleagues internationally.

We are currently advertising vacancies for Data Scientists willing to take on the challenges of managing the data from BODC's portfolio of data management activities. The appointments will be fixed term for three years with the possibility of extension.

Duties of the post

The postholders will be expected to take responsibility for the management of data within one or more projects. Duties include

• establishing a close working relationship with data collecting scientists
• seeking out and acquiring data and undertaking their reformatting, quality control, documentation and banking, including working up data where appropriate
• generating data products including data dissemination through web based access
• providing a data service to project scientists, academic and commercial enquirers, and the general public

Skills and qualifications

A minimum requirement for the post is a good first degree, and/or a higher degree (or equivalent qualifications), preferably in marine science, a physical science or a related subject. The suitable candidates must be self-motivated with well developed communication, planning, problem solving, time management and computing skills (candidates will need to be comfortable with Windows and Microsoft Office).

Relevant post-graduate experience in handling scientific data is highly desirable. Familiarity with marine data collection and analysis, experience of Matlab and/or SQL and an understanding of project management would all be advantageous.

We are currently advertising a vacancy for a Marine Data Officer. The appointment will be fixed term for one year with the possibility of extension.

BODC and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) are embarking on a mutually beneficial arrangement to further progress the management and provision of CCW marine data into national and local data initiatives. The post will be based in the CCW Hafod Elfyn offices, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor and successfull applicant will report to BODC in Liverpool.

Duties of the post

• Synthesise and make available CCW’s marine monitoring and survey data sets for assessments including UK Marine Monitoring and Assessment Strategy (UKMMAS) Charting Progress 2 report, reporting progress towards the Environment Strategy for Wales and in-house CCW requirements.
• Archive data and provide input to the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) and submission of metadata to the UK Directory of Marine Observing Systems (UKDMOS), to meet the requirements of BODC.

• Develop and foster strategic inter-agency data sharing partnerships, represent CCW at meetings where required, contribute to publications and create efficiencies in working practices, through provision and familiarity with CCW data.

Skills and qualifications

A minimum requirement for the post is a good first degree, and/or a higher degree (or equivalent qualifications), in a biological science. Other key requirements include

• a sound knowledge of biological data handling and/or analysis using databases within the context of marine ecology
• a familiarity with marine habitats and species and the analysis of those data
• a willingness to undertake some travel as part of the post and short spells working away from home

Candidates must be self-motivated with well-developed computing skills preferably including the use of Geographic Information System software. Good communication, planning and problem-solving skills are highly desirable, as is relevant post-graduate experience in handling scientific data. An understanding of project management and an appreciation of experimental design and quality control would be an advantage.

Knowledge of the relevant European directives, the UK Marine Monitoring and Assessment Strategy and Marine Data Initiatives (MEDIN and UKDMOS) and a basic understanding of Welsh, or a willingness to learn, are also desirable.