BFF-AFIRMS Data Coordinator

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.

The BFF-AFIRMS Data Coordinator provides critical leadership and management for field and lab data systems within the BFF-AFIRMS project. This role is responsible for overseeing end-to-end data acquisition, implementing quality assurance and control (QA/QC) standards, managing the project’s data catalogue, and engaging with key external stakeholders across the Alberta forest industry and tree improvement communities.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.