Nekton Mission
Database & Data Systems Officer
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Ocean Census
Ocean Census’ mission is to accelerate the discovery of ocean life and catalyse its protection for future generations. Launched in April 2023 by The Nippon Foundation and Nekton Foundation, Ocean Census is the largest programme in history to discover life in our ocean, heralding a new era of pioneering research and scientific exploration to accelerate species discovery and protection.
In 2026, we launched Ocean Census NOVA, an open-access hub dedicated to ‘discovered’ new marine species. It streamlines the journey of novel species data from initial input and quality assurance to global public presentation, enabling rapid publication and broader utilisation.
Role Summary
This position is part of the Ocean Census Data Team. The team supports species discovery workshops globally and the registration of new species on Ocean Census NOVA. This rapid route to open-access recording and sharing of new marine species enables conservationists, governments, and researchers to account for newly discovered species more quickly, accelerating the discovery process. We are now seeking a dynamic data and database specialist to take Ocean Census NOVA to its next stage of development.
The core of the role is to support the wider team in gathering, managing and analysing project data. The postholder will maintain and optimise relational databases, server infrastructure, and automated workflows, ensuring reliable, scalable data systems that enable efficient reporting and accelerate species discovery.
The role requires the successful candidate to intermittently attend the Oxford HQ. However, the majority of work could be home-based. This is a grant-linked full-time 6-month position with option of 3-month extension.
Key Responsibilities
Database architecture and schema design:
- Provide support to improve current databases and identify opportunities for improvement, such as developing future strategies to improve database accuracy and analysis, monitoring database performance, ensuring that all data complies with legal regulations.
- Draft documentation, including data management plans, data standards, procedure and definitions, amongst others.
- Organise data into different categories (e.g. metadata, images, videos, genetic data) and be responsible for ensuring that data is protected and backed-up.
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Server administration, security and infrastructure:
- Responsible for database performance, monitor users accounts, access levels, software licences and permissions, ensuring secure data handling protocols across the team. Responsible for the application users communication related to Ocean Census.
- Maintain data files for easy access and develop the data storage architecture across the organisation; maintain and develop robust backup strategies (e.g., hard drives and server): and implement new data policies as required.
AI Integration and data pipelines:
- Review, monitor, and maintain the host website/server and its components, including frontend user forms designed for taxonomists to log new species and the backend MySQL database, while overseeing user roles, access permissions, administrative dashboards, and both internal and external facing interactive galleries to troubleshoot technical glitches, serving as the primary technical liaison to communicate and report escalated issues to third-party operators.
Experience, Skills and Personal Attributes
Essential competencies:
- Knowledge of computer programming such as MySQL, Linux programming, APIs, command-line environment and data validation best practices (IT literacy).
- 2 years of experience working in a related field.
- Strong hands-on experience with R and Python as query languages and tools for complex data analyses.
- Experience in information architecture and database maintenance.
- Experience with backup strategies and connecting with different public repositories follow FAIR data management strategies.
- Problem-solving skills and being able to work at a fast pace, in an agile environment and to tight deadlines.
- Attention to detail and compliance with data standards.
- Experience in coordinating specimen and data management with international collaborators.
- Familiar with Microsoft database administrator (e.g., Azure, PowerApp) or alternative programs.
- Excellent written skills and ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and effectively.
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Desirable:
- Strong marine biological literacy and a deep understanding of ocean life.
- Knowledge of software development.
- Familiarity with ecological data analysis.
- Proficiency with Artificial Intelligence technology and how to include in databases tasks and to assist in the analysis of tabular data and images desirable. Also, it is desirable to know how this knowledge might be able to assist in the development of the Ocean Census pipeline for species discovery.
- Experience in genetic databases.
- Experience integrating AI into data management processes.
- Track record of scientific publications and experience reporting to funders.
- Willingness and flexibility to travel internationally to provide on-site technical and data infrastructure support during Ocean Census global events, such as expeditions and/or species discovery workshops.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or related fields (Required).
- Master’s degree (Desirable).
Diversity Statement
Ocean Census is working towards being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applicants of all races, religions, colors, national origins, genders, sexual orientations, ages, marital statuses, and disability statuses. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations and flexible work arrangements to ensure every candidate has the support they need.
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