Data Acquisition Coordinator

Dalhousie University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 63,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious Canadian university in Halifax is seeking a Data Acquisition Coordinator to oversee data collection for aquatic research projects. The ideal candidate will possess an undergraduate degree and extensive experience in bioinformatics and data management. Responsibilities include coordinating data acquisition, implementing quality control measures, and conducting workshops. The role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity for hybrid work.

Benefits

Voluntary RRSP

Health and dental plans

Wellness allowance

Tuition assistance program

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in applying quality control to human-generated data.
• Ability to lead meetings and deliver training.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate data acquisition and quality control.
• Guide partners in data management compliance.
• Develop and implement data management workshop curricula.

Skills

Bioinformatics data

Relational databases

R programming

Python

Communication skills

Facilitation

Education

Undergraduate degree in informatics, oceanography, marine biology, or related field

Tools

Asana

Monday.com

Job description

Position Details

Position Title: Data Acquisition Coordinator
Department/Unit: Biology
Research Project: Ocean Tracking Network
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number: GP82-25
Employee Group: Grant-Paid (PSAC local 86001)
Position Type: Term
Duration of Contract: 2 years, with possibility of renewal
Employment Type: Full Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE): 1.0
Salary: $63,804 - $85,371 per annum

About The Organization

The Ocean Tracking Network (OTN, http://oceantrackingnetwork.org/) is an international marine and freshwater monitoring platform that focuses on tracking the movements of aquatic animals in the context of a changing global environment. Established in 2008, OTN is one of 19 National Research Facilities supported by the Major Science Initiatives (MSI) funding program of the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Data Management, the Data Acquisition Coordinator (DAC) is responsible for the coordination and collection of data from OTN researchers and partner networks. This position ensures the smooth and efficient acquisition, quality control, and continued flow of data into the care of OTN. This is an outward facing position that regularly interacts and collaborates with scientists and professionals across all sectors (academia, government, industry, NGO) and parts of the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all aspects of data acquisition, including liaising with collaborators to acquire data and metadata in a timely fashion and in accordance with the OTN and partner's data policies, perform data processing, loading and quality control of telemetry data to the data system, resolve data issues and deficiencies, and collaborate with OTN database developers to inform and design new features to improve processes.
• Guide partners with implementation and revision of their data management plans to ensure ongoing compliance with OTN and partner data quality procedures and data policies.
• Collaborate with project partners and data providers to design, implement, and refine data pipelines and data quality procedures.
• Inform and support the design of data products to advance novel ways of interpreting and visualizing data to inform data analysis and decision making.
• Develop and implement data management workshop curricula and administer training to parties working with OTN’s network of networks, partners, and data contributors.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in informatics, oceanography, marine biology, or a related technical field, with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Proficient in bioinformatics data, relational databases, and programming languages such as R and Python; familiar with office software and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com).
• Demonstrated experience in applying quality control to human-generated data and working with oceanographic or biological datasets, including animal telemetry and acoustic receivers.
• Strong facilitation skills with the ability to lead meetings, deliver training, and conduct technical workshops for diverse audiences.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail, professionalism, and diplomacy in all interactions.
• Excellent communication abilities across in-person, virtual, and asynchronous formats; able to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

Assets

• Experience with geospatial data.
• Experience with marine data collection.
• Fluency in French or Spanish.

Additional Information

This position travels within Canada and internationally 2-3 times per year. Occasionally, work hours will fluctuate to maintain connectivity with partners across time zones. The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines. Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit. We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity‑deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity‑deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity. If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies: 1
Open Date: 11/06/2025
Close Date: 11/20/2025
Open Until Filled: No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19821