BFF-AFIRMS Data Coordinator

University of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alberta is seeking a Data Coordinator for the BFF-AFIRMS initiative at North Campus in Edmonton. This term-position supports the development of data infrastructure, governance, and workflow to enable forest genetics data integration and decision-making.

The role centers on managing genomic and phenotypic data, coordinating with academic partners and government systems, and guiding data standards and user resources.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Plant Genetics and Genomics, Forest Genetics, Tree Improvement, Bioinformatics, Genomics, or related field.
• 3+ years experience in database administration and management of large-scale datasets with genomic data.
• Excellent written and oral communication; able to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment with biologists and government officers.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain working relationships with external organizations to support data sharing, integration and adoption.
• Coordinate data acquisition, submission, integration, and access with stakeholders and Government of Alberta systems.
• Manage and maintain the BFF-AFIRMS data catalogue, database documentation, metadata, and QA/QC materials.
• Coordinate data QA/QC processes and implement data and metadata standards with the team.
• Lead the development and implementation of data management tools to improve collection and processing.
• Develop and manage project workplans, goals, and objectives for data management and tool development.

Skills

Data governance

Database administration

Data management

Communication

Education

B.Sc./M.Sc. in Plant Genetics and Genomics or related field

Tools

SQL

RDBMS

Job description

Job Description

This position has a term length of 2 years with the possibility of extension.

Job Description

This position has a term length of 2 years with the possibility of extension.

Location

This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

BFF-AFIRMS, (Best Future Forest: Advanced Forest Genomics and Integrative Resource Management System), is a transformative initiative aimed at digitalizing forest resource management and tree improvement in Alberta (AB), Canada (CA). This is a joint effort across the Government of Alberta (GoA), forest industry partners of Tree Improvement of Alberta, University of Alberta (UofA, CA), and Oklahoma State University (USA). The initiative seeks to integrate high-throughput genotyping, predictive analytics, and decision-making science to ensure responsible stewardship of forest genetic resources in the face of climate challenges, and the growing demand for sustainable forest ecosystems and products.

Responsibilities

Working with the BFF-AFIRMS team, the Data Coordinator will join our interdisciplinary team and support the development of BFF-AFIRMS data/computing infrastructure, decision-making workflow, and user experience. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in data curation and governance, collaborating with the database scientist to design, test, and maintain a relational database that manages large volumes of genomic, phenotypic, climate and site information, and tree improvement data. As the primary interface between scientific computing and our diverse range of end-users and stakeholders, the candidate will also be responsible for optimizing data flow across various disciplines for tree improvement decision-making, and facilitating seamless communication within the project.

• Build and maintain working relationships with external organizations, including academic partners, forestry professionals, and policymakers, to support data sharing, integration, and adoption of BFF-AFIRMS tools.
• Coordinate data acquisition, submission, integration, and access with BFF-AFIRMS stakeholders and external information systems, including Government of Alberta systems.
• Manage and maintain the BFF-AFIRMS data catalogue, database documentation, metadata, and public data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) materials.
• Coordinate field and laboratory data QA/QC processes and work with the Database Scientist, Software Developer, and project team to implement data and metadata standards.
• Lead the development and implementation of data management tools that improve internal data collection, processing, quality control, and management.
• Develop and manage project workplans, goals, and objectives related to BFF-AFIRMS data management and tool development.
• Provide guidance and support to end-users, including managing external database access requests and developing user resources.
• Coordinate the development of SOPs, user guides, educational materials, and other resources to support tool adoption and build capacity within the Alberta forest industry and tree improvement communities.
• Support data security by collaborating with technical staff on access controls, encryption, and other measures to protect sensitive tree improvement data.
• Monitor database performance, troubleshoot issues, and support system reliability and availability.
• Support BFF-AFIRMS communications and knowledge transfer activities, including workshops, AGMs, online publications, website content, social media, reports, manuscripts, and extension materials.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Plant Genetics and Genomics, Forest Genetics, Tree Improvement, Bioinformatics, Genomics, or a related field.
• Greater than 3 years experience working with database administration and management of large-scale datasets, an understanding of genomic data and its integration with a relational database, and operational genetic improvement programs.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment, and to collaborate with biologists, tree improvement experts, industry practitioners and government officers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience of working in a research or academic environment, particularly in the field of genomics or forest biology.
• Experience with Project Management.
• Experience with organizing and managing assets and space logistics.
• A proactive approach to managing problems.
• Ability to adapt and evolve as required.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to details.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis.

The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered.

We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer.

Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées.

Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences is a leader in teaching, research, and community engagement across diverse fields including food systems, sustainable resource management, human ecology, and environmental sociology. With more than 500 faculty and staff, over 1,500 undergraduates, and 600 graduate students, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences leverages 25,000 acres of research land across Alberta to deliver high-impact academic programs and applied research in partnership with industry and communities.