Two open positions at the ERDC Field Research Facility!

[Annika O'Dea]

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Field Research Facility (FRF) is seeking an experienced data scientist and instrument technician to join the FRF team. The FRF is a research facility located in Duck, NC renowned for its continuous coastal oceanographic observations. Brief descriptions of the open positions are below. 

For those interested, please send a resume and cover letter to Annika O'Dea (Annika.M.O’D...@usace.army.mil), Kate Brodie (Katherine...@erdc.dren.mil), Pat Dickhudt (Patrick.J...@erdc.dren.mil), and Erin Diurba (Erin.S...@usace.army.mil).  Any questions related to the first position can be directed to Annika O'Dea (Annika.M.O’D...@usace.army.mil) and questions related to the second position can be directed to Pat Dickhudt (Patrick.J...@erdc.dren.mil). Applications will be evaluated as we receive them and the positions will remain open until filled. 

(1) Data Scientist: The FRF seeks an experienced data scientist to manage collection, processing, QA/QC, and dissemination of data associated with its long-term data record. The FRF’s long-term record consists of 45+ years of continuous and periodic measurements of coastal processes including waves, currents, and other oceanographic data, meteorological data, coastal imaging, continuously operating terrestrial lidar, mobile lidar surveys, and hydrographic survey data. These data are a resource to the nearshore research community and are publicly disseminated (most in near real-time). The data scientist will be responsible for coordinating with FRF scientists to oversee all aspects of collection, analysis, QA/QC, and distribution of data.

Required qualifications: 

• Bachelor or MS in computer science, data science, engineering, or an environmental or earth science (oceanography, geology, or a related field) 
• Significant experience programming in Matlab 
• Experience with Linux OS including file transfers, process monitoring, scheduling tasks, and SSH 
• Experience with git version control software and the GitHub platform 
• Experience organizing, manipulating, and analyzing large datasets 
• Experience designing or working with complex data processing workflows, with a focus on optimizing computational efficiency and operational reliability 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage projects/tasks to completion 

Preferred qualifications: 

• Experience working with spatial and temporal environmental data (preferably oceanographic data) 
• Experience designing and implementing data quality control measures 
• Experience with other coding languages (Python, C, Perl) 
• Experience working with netCDF files and accessing data from a THREDDS data server a plus 
• Experience working with large sets of imagery, geo-spatial imagery (geotiffs) a plus  

(2) Instrument Technician: The FRF seeks an electronics or instrument technician to support its long-term continuous data collection program as well as targeted research projects. The FRF specializes in reliably collecting high quality oceanographic data in the energetic surf zone. Much of these data are collected as part of a long-term continuous collection program relying on external power sources and real-time data telemetry to shore. A suitable candidate will have experience with principles of operation, programming, and maintenance of a suite of oceanographic and meteorological instrumentation and an understanding of fundamental electronic principles. The candidate will be responsible for the calibration, programming, and maintenance of a variety of sensors as well as maintaining detailed field logs and contributing to field, lab, and data processing associated with research efforts at the FRF.

Required qualifications: 

• Technical school, BS, or MS, with two or more years of related experience with oceanographic data collection and instrumentation 
• Time at sea or in the field working with oceanographic instrumentation 
• Experience mounting, programming, and cleaning oceanographic instrumentation
• Experience at sea deploying and recovering oceanographic instrumentation 
• Knowledge of boater safety and seamanship 
• Computer literacy and expertise with computer programs that communicate with gauges via serial, analog, and Ethernet interfaces 
• Basic understanding of electrical principles and ability to trouble shoot power and communication issues with cabled instruments 
• Strong problem solving and organizational skills 
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage projects/tasks to completion 

Preferred qualifications: 

• Experience with oceanographic instrumentation including acoustic Doppler sensors (ADCP / ADV) and pressure sensors. Knowledge of instrument principles of operation and how to apply to wave and current measurements 
• Experience with meteorological instrumentation including wind sensors, temperature, humidity sensors, and rain gauges 
• Experience in diagnosing problems and determining needed repairs for malfunctions in electronic equipment or systems (power and interface issues) 
• Experience recording and archiving detailed notes and photographs documenting field activities