Database Developer - Geophysical Institute

• JOB NUMBER: 521437

• CLASSIFICATION:I nformation Systems Professional 2A

• GRADE: Grade 79

• WORK TYPE: Hybrid, On Campus, Remote within Alaska, Staff Full-time

• ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT: University of Alaska Fairbanks

• SCHOOL/BUSINESS UNIT: UAF Geophysical Institute

• LOCATION: Fairbanks

• CATEGORIES: Information Systems/Technology, Engineering/Computer Science

Position Summary:

The Geophysical Institute (GI) Volcanology team is looking to fill a new position for a relational database developer fluent in SQL, XML, time series data, and object oriented analysis and design. As a database developer, you will have the opportunity to be part of a project that capitalizes on the wealth of data from the Alaska Volcano Observatory; the multidisciplinary expertise of volcano observatory scientists; and the analytical power provided by a team of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, UAF faculty, and other national and international collaborators.

Duties:

Software Maintenance and Support: Assist in developing and maintaining proper technical and user documentation for each system in a consistent and structured manner. Fix bugs and add new features, as requested, in software. Analyze, document, install, develop, and maintain software. Use problem solving and analysis to resolve standard software issues, which may require researching issues involving multiple components or systems. Perform other duties as required.

Scientific Software Development: Develop data aggregation methods to integrate, analyze, and search across heterogenous data streams. Create data visualizations for heterogeneous data. Develop on Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to access and distribute data. Ensure quality control through testing and debugging software focusing on accuracy, completeness, and system integrity.

Database Development and Administration: As a team member and under intermittent supervision solve moderate database development problems, ensuring interoperability between multiple databases. Make recommendations for improvements to supervisor where appropriate. Document causes of failure and the resolution of those failures. Use strong verbal and written communication and project management skills to ensure development is consistent with project goals. Use knowledge in database design, Structured Query Language (SQL), Extensible Markup Language (XML), object-oriented analysis and design to work with existing database schema, and to develop and update database schema. Follow prescribed data standards, organize, prepare, clean, and format data for inclusion in a database. Data includes both time series and spatial data. Create near real-time data ingestion of heterogeneous large data streams.

Additional Position Information:

The Database Developer will work on expanding existing database models as well as creating new schema for both relational and time-series data, and developing data aggregation methods to integrate, analyze, and create data visualizations for new data streams for Alaska volcanoes within the framework of the “NSF-PREEVENTS Eruption Forecasting Project: Development and testing of volcanic eruptions models and forecasts through multidisciplinary data synthesis at Alaska volcanoes”. Research and data analysis are currently being conducted on four interrelated disciplines: (1) geodesy, (2) seismology and infrasound, (3) volcanic gas geochemistry and remote sensing, and (4) petrology, geochemistry and physical volcanology, and focuses on eight recently active Alaska volcanoes: Cleveland, Okmok, Bogoslof, Shishaldin, Pavlof, Veniaminof, Augustine, and Redoubt. More information on this project can be found here: https://sites.google.com/alaska.edu/preeventseruptionforecasting/PREEVENTS.

Candidates with the following education and experience will be given preference:

• A B.Sc. in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physics, or 3 years of relevant experience,

• Some experience in API development,

• An ability to grasp a variety of spatial and temporal data formats,

• Ability to work independently to solve challenging problems.
   

The Database Developer is expected to receive their degree prior to starting this position. We encourage a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment, and seek candidates that will help expand these initiatives.

This position is located at the UAF campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. Remote work agreements will be considered for this position.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

Geophysical Institute:

The Geophysical Institute is a research-driven organization at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The university offers an attractive work environment and strong benefits including retirement and health insurance, generous leave policies, and tuition waivers for UAF courses. The Geophysical Institute is committed to equity, inclusion, and accountability and values the open sharing of different perspectives. We support a respectful and welcoming environment and a commitment to serving Alaska and Alaskans with strong applied science. Career growth and professional development are expected and encouraged.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:Knowledge in Database development and administration.

Knowledge in Programming and system analysis and integration.

Fluent SQL skills.

Proficiency in Object-oriented analysis and design.

Ability to analyze a routine situation and formulate problem resolutions.

Knowledge of, and ability to combine inter-relationships between disparate problems and formulate problem resolution.

Ability to grasp a variety of spatial and temporal data formats.

Knowledge and skills in API development.

Ability to work in a team environment.TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and 2 years experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

REQUIRED EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and 2 years experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

SALARY INFORMATION:

This is a full-time, 12-month, non-exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. New hires will be placed on the UA staff salary schedule, Grade 79, based on education and experience.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information (email address and phone number) for three (3) professional references with your application.

Please submit your application no later than 9/11/2022 at 11:55 PM Alaska Time. The review of this posting will start on 9/12/2022. This posting will be closed once it is filled.

UAF COVID Requirements:

Effective immediately, all new UAF hires, whose job function or work location results in the employee being subject to the UAF vaccine requirements guided by the Federal Contractor Employee vaccine mandate*, must be fully vaccinated with an FDA- or WHO- authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption no later than six weeks from the new hire's start date.

*Employees based on UAF’s Troth Yeddha’ (Fairbanks) campus, regardless of university affiliation and remote work status; Employees based in UAF research units outside Fairbanks (including Seward Marine Center, Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, HAARP, Poker Flat, Lena Point, and Toolik Field Station); and Employees, regardless of their work location, paid by or directly working on impacted UAF federal contract.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact University of Alaska HR at 907-450-8200.