Position Focus:

Map of Life (MOL) and the Max Planck Yale Center for Biodiversity Movement and Global Change (MPYC) are seeking a Spatial Data(base) Analyst who is interested supporting effective global biodiversity education, monitoring, research and decision-making by assembling and integrating a wide range of knowledge about species distributions and their dynamics over time. Built on a scalable web platform geared for large biodiversity and environmental data, MOL provides best-possible species distribution information together with a range of information and biodiversity indicator products. MOL leads the data integration and mapping efforts of the Half-Earth Project that aims to identify and prioritize target areas for global biodiversity conservation. Responsibilities and tasks will include:

• Performing analyses on a variety of large and big spatial and non-spatial data.
• Managing complex vector and raster datasets in relational and NoSQL databases.
• Optimizing SQL queries and supporting database design and management.
• Controlling all spatial and non-spatial data for quality before ingesting into the database.
• Providing support to the Map of Life team and researchers at the Center.
• Assessing and meeting technical and stakeholder needs.
• Working as part of a team and independently and small and large projects.
• Incorporating user feedback directly into products.

The Max Planck Yale Center supports research and training around the use of new technologies such as GPS tracking and remote sensing to address questions in ecology, behavior, and global change. Flagship Center projects include the Icarus initiative, a space station-based near-global GPS animal movement observation system, Movebank, which supports the management and integration of movement data, and Map of Life.

Essential Duties

1. Creates a relational database from existing study data currently stored in multiple data sources. Designs comprehensive and relational databases with advance knowledge of relevant applications impacting on the data analyses and reporting.
2. Develops and documents operational procedures for the collection, editing, verification and management of study data. Documents all study data files, data structure and relationships, variable definitions and data codes. Writes detailed specifications for analysis files and performs consistency checks.
3. Develops and implements relevant statistical programs to incorporate data from multiple studies/projects.
4. Organizes and creates documents and tables related to datasets; communicates with data sources about data accuracy and data dictionary.
5. Evaluates and analyzes data using accepted statistical techniques and statistical analysis software. Performs descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
6. Uses advanced statistical knowledge to provide support in managing and analyzing data.
7. Designs and implements quality control measures to ensure accurate collection and processing of data. Ensures the integrity of databases used in analyses through development of essential data cleaning and checks, and data back-ups.
8. Responsible for the documentation and transmission of study data. Ensures that data are collected and completed in a timely manner at each site location.
9. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s degree in statistics, computer science or a related field and two years of experience in data management and analysis or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with data collection and in coordinating efforts of multiple groups.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Ability to work with large data, spatial data, and basic proficiency in Unix-based systems.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Ability to work in a collaborative environment, receiving and providing feedback on code. Excellent analytical skills with a good problem-solving attitude.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Well-developed written and oral communication skills with the ability to conduct written and oral presentations.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Time management and attention to detail with the ability to plan, organize, multi- task, prioritize and manage a large volume of work in a complex and fast-paced environment.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Technical familiarity with Python, Shell scripting, Google App Engine and CARTO or comparable programs.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Experience with Google Cloud Platform (BigQuery, Cloud SQL, Cloud Datastore, and Cloud Storage). Experience with hosted platforms such as Google App Engine and CARTO. Experience working with geospatial biodiversity or remote sensing data.

Drug Screen No
Health Screening No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. Please visit www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

Affirmative Action Statement:

Yale University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, at TitleIX@yale.edu, or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 8th Floor, Five Post Office Square, Boston MA 02109-3921. Telephone: 617.289.0111, Fax: 617.289.0150, TDD: 800.877.8339, or Email: ocr.boston@ed.gov.

Note Yale University is a tobacco-free campus