Research Specialist I-III

Texas A&M University System•Corpus Christi, TX

7d•Remote

About The Position

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) is seeking a Research Specialist I, II, or III to join the Harte Research Institute. This role is responsible for reviewing, organizing, and documenting datasets submitted to the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Information and Data Cooperative (GRIIDC) for long-term archival. The position involves ensuring data completeness, file integrity, and adherence to data management best practices and FAIR data principles. The specialist will also transform data file formats, organize data into required directory structures, and communicate with data providers to obtain necessary information. Additionally, the role supports the GRIIDC team, provides input on data standards and system development, and may develop guidance documents for data submission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study.
Four (4) years of related experience (for Research Specialist I).
Six (6) years of related experience (for Research Specialist II).
Eight (8) years of related experience (for Research Specialist III).
Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement.
Master’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study and two (2) years of related experience (for Research Specialist I).
Master’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study and four (4) years of related experience (for Research Specialist II).
Master’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study and six (6) years of related experience (for Research Specialist III).
Doctoral degree in related field of study (for Research Specialist I).
Doctoral degree and two (2) years of related experience (for Research Specialist II).
Doctoral degree and four (4) years of related experience (for Research Specialist III).
Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Programming in MatLab or Python.
Strong understanding of physical oceanography; oceanographic cruise data and instrumentation; and environmental data.
Experience with shell scripting in Linux and/or Windows.
Working knowledge of XML.
Ability to hash and checksum data files.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively in a courteous and professional manner with a varied population of customers in person, telephone, or e-mail.

Nice To Haves

Experience on oceanographic research cruises.
Experience managing physical oceanography or environmental data.
Experience managing other scientific data types.
Experience in data curation activities including dataset package review, metadata creation, and file format transformation.

Responsibilities

Review datasets and metadata from a variety of disciplines submitted to the GRIIDC data management system to ensure completeness, file integrity, and determine additional information to complete and describe datasets.
Ensure submitted data and metadata follow data management best practices and FAIR data principles for Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable data.
Document datasets using standard ISO 19115-2 metadata.
Transform data file formats from proprietary or binary file types to nonproprietary, archive-ready file formats.
Organize data into required directory structures.
Contact data providers to request additional information to complete datasets.
Review publications generated by data providers to ensure datasets associated with publications meet standards for public availability.
Work with GRIIDC team members to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of products and services including supporting the GRIIDC Director and Program Manager with the execution of GRIIDC tasks.
Participate in GRIIDC biweekly team meetings, data package review meetings, and other meetings, as needed.
Provide insight and direction on data and metadata standards and data best practices to the Program Manager and Director during meetings and through technical reports.
Provide input on the development of the GRIIDC data management system software, through participation in software development meetings and testing sessions, as needed.
Develop guidance documents for the submission of different types of data to GRIIDC, as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical insurance with university contribution covering up to 83% of the premium for employee and family coverage.
Dental & Vision insurance.
Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability.
Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account.
DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM.
ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES.
Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources.
Tuition Benefits: Public Loan Forgiveness.
Book scholarships.
100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).
Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP).
Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan.
8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
12-15 paid holidays each year.