Digital Agriculture Research Data Manager, Plant Sciences

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is seeking a Digital Agriculture Research Data Manager to facilitate access to geospatial datasets for research projects. This role involves guiding students and researchers in data access and usage, along with applying machine learning methods in agricultural research. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required, alongside strong skills in data management and tool usage. The position offers competitive pay within a supportive research environment in Saskatoon.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required, ideally in geoinformatics or data science.
• Experience with geospatial data and machine learning methods.
• Experience supporting research or teaching environments.

Responsibilities

• Guide students and researchers on dataset access and usage.
• Provide instruction in data-analytic tools.
• Develop documentation and training materials.

Skills

Proficiency with Python

Proficiency with R

Proficiency with Google Earth Engine

Proficiency with GIS systems

Excellent organizational skills

Strong communication skills

Understanding of metadata standards

Team-oriented approach

Education

Master’s degree in geoinformatics, data science, agricultural science, or a related field

Job description

Digital Agriculture Research Data Manager, Plant Sciences

Primary Purpose: The Digital Agriculture Research Data Manager plays a key role in supporting the Nutrien Centre for Digital and Sustainable Agriculture (NCDSA) by facilitating access to high-quality geospatial agricultural and environmental datasets. The position will enable researchers, graduate students, and research assistants to use these data effectively. The position bridges the gap between data infrastructure and research application guiding users in data discovery, analysis, and the application of modern data science and machine learning methods to advance digital agriculture research and innovation.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Director of Nutrien Centre for Digital and Sustainable Agriculture (NCDSA), the Data Manager provides hands‑on support to research teams and students working with Earth Observation, agronomic, soil and environmental data. The role focuses on data curation, integration, and applied analytics. The incumbent will work closely with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, as well as graduate and undergraduate student researchers to ensure that Centre datasets are properly organized, documented, and used in compliance with institutional and partner data policies. Work is office‑based at the NCDSA, University of Saskatchewan. Collaborates closely with the Data Systems Manager and research staff across the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Research and User Support

• Guide students and researchers on how to locate, access, and use datasets relevant to their projects.
• Provide one‑on‑one and group instruction in geospatial and data‑analytic tools (e.g., Google Earth Engine, Python, R, QGIS).
• Support the application of machine learning and statistical methods to research projects.
• Develop documentation, training materials, workshops and tutorials to improve research data literacy.

Data Curation and Quality Control

• Organize and document Centre datasets following FAIR as well as Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP) data principles.
• Conduct quality checks, cleaning, and formatting for diverse data sources (e.g., EO imagery, sensor data, yield maps, soil surveys).
• Maintain metadata catalogues and version tracking for internal and partner datasets.
• Coordinate data ingestion workflows with the Data Systems Manager.

Data Integration and Applied Analysis

• Assist research teams in integrating ground reference data from field, sensor, and EO data for Centre projects (e.g., soil mapping, MRV, phenotyping).
• Collaborate on developing reproducible analysis pipelines and dashboards.
• Ensure that derived datasets and analytical outputs are properly archived and described.

Data Governance and Collaboration

• Ensure that data practices align with USask and partner requirements.
• Promote ethical, transparent, and sustainable data sharing.
• Collaborate with the Data Systems Manager to ensure smooth coordination between data users and technical infrastructure.

Training and Outreach

• Deliver short workshops and onboarding sessions for students and visiting researchers.
• Contribute to the Centre’s educational and outreach activities related to digital agriculture and data science.
• Provide technical input for data management plans in research proposals and funding applications.

Education: Master’s degree in geoinformatics, data science, agricultural science, or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience with geospatial data, remote sensing, or large agricultural/environmental datasets.
• Familiarity with machine learning methods (e.g., Random Forest, support vector machine, transformers or similar).
• Demonstrated experience supporting research or teaching environments.

Skills:

• Proficiency with Python, R, Google Earth Engine, and GIS systems.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to data quality.
• Strong ability to communicate and translate technical methods for diverse users.
• Understanding of metadata standards and data ethics.
• Team‑oriented approach with ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Dr. Steve Shirtliffe at [e-mail]

Department: Plant Sciences
Status: Term 3 years with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non‑union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $41.87 - 58.63 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family: Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 9
Posted Date: 12/1/2025
Closing Date: 12/28/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity‑deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.