Oceanography Data Science Research Specialist - 141464

San Diego Supercomputer Center; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego’s Integrative Oceanography Division seeks a Data Science Research Specialist to advance ocean data systems, modeling and informatics. You will contribute to diverse projects spanning data management, software implementations, and research computing for complex ocean datasets.

Collaboration across teams is essential, with emphasis on scalable HPC workflows, data conversion and reproducible analyses using Python, MATLAB and SQL. Strong communication and deadlines are required.

Qualifications

• Advanced skills associated with programming design, modification and implementation for ocean science applications.
• Familiarity with logical data design and data mapping or data conversion. Ability to convert SCCOOS datasets from their native format to netCDF/THREDDS and or MYSQL.
• Thorough experience working in a complex computing / data / CI environment encompassing HPC, data science infrastructure and tools / software, and diverse domain science applications.

Responsibilities

• Must be willing to work non-standard hours, including weekends if necessary.

Skills

Programming for ocean science

Data mapping & conversion

HPC & data infrastructure

Python

MATLAB

R/R Studio

SQL / Databases

Shell scripting

Education

Bachelor's in Oceanography with computing

Tools

GitHub

MySQL

Google Earth Engine

netCDF/THREDDS

XML

KML

Job description

Payroll Title CMPTL & DATA SCI RSH SPEC 3 RP

Department INTEGR OCEANOGRAPHY DIV

Hiring Pay Scale $102,060 - $110,000/year

Worksite SIO

Appointment Type Career

Appointment Percent 100%

Union RP Contract

Total Openings 1

Work Schedule Days, 8 hrs/day, Mon-Fri

Job ID #141464 Oceanography Data Science Research Specialist

Filing Deadline Wed 10/21/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 10/12/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Description

The organizing principle of the "Integrative" Oceanography Division (IOD) resides in a shared commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary science. "Integrative" denotes our philosophy that multiple approaches are important in creating a better understanding of the ocean system. We take great pride in our membership of physical, biological, chemical and geological oceanographers, climate and information scientists, data and information managers, engineers, technicians, education specialists, administrative and management professionals. IOD distinguishes itself as scientific home for researchers working at the boundaries of traditional academic spheres, and generating growing programs in the integration of research with informatics as well as with education and public outreach. From pelagic to benthic ecology, shoreline to open ocean dynamics, data to information systems, our research encompasses field work, laboratory experimentation and computer modeling to acquire, integrate, synthesize and understand diverse data sets to elucidate the underlying dynamics of complex, multidimensional ocean systems.

• Must be willing to work non-standard hours, including weekends if necessary.

Qualifications

• Advanced skills associated with programming design, modification and implementation for ocean science applications.
• Familiarity with logical data design and data mapping or data conversion. Ability to convert SCCOOS datasets from their native format to netCDF/THREDDS and or MYSQL.
• Thorough experience working in a complex computing / data / CI environment encompassing all or some of the following: HPC, data science infrastructure and tools / software, and diverse domain science application base.
• Proven skills and experience in independently resolving broad computing / data / CI problems using introductory and / or intermediate principles.
• Experience with some or all of the following programming languages, platforms, and applications: Python, GitHub, MATLAB, R/R Studio, JavaScript, SQL, Shell, XML, KML, EML, and Google EarthEngine.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute research and technical content to grant proposals.
• Advanced skills, and demonstrated experience associated with one or more of the following: HPC hardware and software power and performance analysis and research, design, modification, Implementation and deployment of HPC or data science or CI applications and tools.
• Works independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated problem-solving skills. Ability to learn effectively and meet deadlines. Ability to work within the national IOOS program system schedules and timelines. Ability to coordinate within the multiple IOOS regions for problem-solving on the local, regional and national scale.
• Demonstrated broad experience in one or more of the following: optimizing, benchmarking, HPC performance and power modeling, analyzing hardware, software, and applications for HPC / data / CI.
• Proven ability to understand research computing / data / CI needs, mapping use cases to requirements and how systems / software / infrastructure can support those needs and meet the requirements. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement such solutions.
• Bachelor's degree in Marine/Environmental Sciences/Oceanography with computer / computational / data specialization or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Intermediate knowledge of HPC / data science / CI.
• Demonstrated ability to regularly interface with management. The ability and willingness to work across agencies and organizations to accomplish tasks, respond to agency needs, and meet user requirements.
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization and to external research and education audiences.
• Ability to design and conduct user interface tutorials for stakeholders/end-users. Ability to communicate through oral and written presentations the SCCOOS data management system and its various components at local, regional and national meetings. Ability to communicate with diverse audiences of all ages.
• Self-motivated and works independently and as part of a team. Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to successfully work on multiple concurrent projects.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of staff; technical, students, faculty and administrators

Special Conditions

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Prospective employees who are ordinarily residents in Iran or who are physically located in Iran are generally not eligible to for employment per suspension of General License G on 24 August 2026. If you have ever resided in Iran or have an Iranian passport and would like to confirm your eligibility, please contact [e-mail] for consideration of your particular circumstances.