BFF-AFIRMS Data Coordinator Part-time

Data Coordinator for BFF-AFIRMS

This position has a term length of 2 years with the possibility of extension.

Location – This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

BFF-AFIRMS, (Best Future Forest: Advanced Forest Genomics and Integrative Resource Management System), is a transformative initiative aimed at digitalizing forest resource management and tree improvement in Alberta (AB), Canada (CA). This is a joint effort across the Government of Alberta (GoA), forest industry partners of Tree Improvement of Alberta, University of Alberta (UofA, CA), and Oklahoma State University (USA). The initiative seeks to integrate high-throughput genotyping, predictive analytics, and decision-making science to ensure responsible stewardship of forest genetic resources in the face of climate challenges, and the growing demand for sustainable forest ecosystems and products.

Working with the BFF-AFIRMS team, the Data Coordinator will join our interdisciplinary team and support the development of BFF-AFIRMS data/computing infrastructure, decision-making workflow, and user experience. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in data curation and governance, collaborating with the database scientist to design, test, and maintain a relational database that manages large volumes of genomic, phenotypic, climate and site information, and tree improvement data. As the primary interface between scientific computing and our diverse range of end-users and stakeholders, the candidate will also be responsible for optimizing data flow across various disciplines for tree improvement decision-making, and facilitating seamless communication within the project.

The candidate will have an understanding of data collection and management in genetics, genomics, scientific computing, as well as familiarity with tree improvement programs, breeding data, and forest genetic resources. A passion for working in a highly multi-disciplinary and collaborative environment to support forest genomics and tree improvement programs is essential.

Responsibilities include:

• Build and maintain working relationships with external organizations, including academic partners, forestry professionals, and policymakers, to support data sharing, integration, and adoption of BFF-AFIRMS tools.
• Coordinate data acquisition, submission, integration, and access with BFF-AFIRMS stakeholders and external information systems, including Government of Alberta systems.
• Manage and maintain the BFF-AFIRMS data catalogue, database documentation, metadata, and public data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) materials.
• Coordinate field and laboratory data QA/QC processes and work with the Database Scientist, Software Developer, and project team to implement data and metadata standards.
• Lead the development and implementation of data management tools that improve internal data collection, processing, quality control, and management.
• Develop and manage project workplans, goals, and objectives related to BFF-AFIRMS data management and tool development.
• Provide guidance and support to end-users, including managing external database access requests and developing user resources.
• Coordinate the development of SOPs, user guides, educational materials, and other resources to support tool adoption and build capacity within the Alberta forest industry and tree improvement communities.
• Support data security by collaborating with technical staff on access controls, encryption, and other measures to protect sensitive tree improvement data.
• Monitor database performance, troubleshoot issues, and support system reliability and availability.
• Support BFF-AFIRMS communications and knowledge transfer activities, including workshops, AGMs, online publications, website content, social media, reports, manuscripts, and extension materials.

Qualifications include:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Plant Genetics and Genomics, Forest Genetics, Tree Improvement, Bioinformatics, Genomics, or a related field.
• Greater than 3 years experience working with database administration and management of large-scale datasets, an understanding of genomic data and its integration with a relational database, and operational genetic improvement programs.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment, and to collaborate with biologists, tree improvement experts, industry practitioners and government officers.

Preferred Qualifications include:

• Experience of working in a research or academic environment, particularly in the field of genomics or forest biology.
• Experience with Project Management.
• Experience with organizing and managing assets and space logistics.
• A proactive approach to managing problems.
• Ability to adapt and evolve as required.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to details.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.

Application Instructions:

Click “Apply Now” to submit your resume and cover letter as one document.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

The Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences is a leader in teaching, research, and community engagement across diverse fields including food systems, sustainable resource management, human ecology, and environmental sociology. With more than 500 faculty and staff, over 1,500 undergraduates, and 600 graduate students, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences leverages 25,000 acres of research land across Alberta to deliver high-impact academic programs and applied research in partnership with industry and communities.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people – from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more. At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns. The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply. L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.