Job Description

Scotland\xe2\x80\x99s International Environment Centre is looking to appoint a highly motivated, forward-looking Data Scientist with expertise in backend development to join a multidisciplinary team working on Forth Environmental Resilience Array programme which is pioneering the development of a world-leading digital observatory for the Forth Valley Region in Scotland in collaboration with a range of regional and national stakeholders.

You will join a dynamic, innovative team of scientists and technical specialists focussed on delivering a programme that will help deliver on Scotland\xe2\x80\x99s net zero and broader environment targets. The postholder can expect to apply their skill set to a broad range of scientific challenges, such as monitoring floods and droughts, water quality, peatland condition, air quality and biodiversity.

The postholder will lead the development and management of the backend environment for Forth-ERA undertaking the development of pipelines for the ingest, processing, analysis, and management of data enabling real-time observations to be converted to actionable intelligence. These data will be largely from sensors networks, Earth observation satellites and process-based models but could also encompass field survey data, citizen science observations, and a variety of other third-party datasets. You will also be required to develop innovative approaches to data processing and analysis drawing on appropriate methods in data science such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Develop and apply innovative methods for the analysis of datasets from sources including wireless sensors, citizen smartphone devices, drones, and satellites to deliver real-time, actionable intelligence to multiple stakeholders.

The successful applicant will have access to high-performance compute and storage provided by a multi-million-pound investment in public-cloud Data Centre being built to support Scotland\xe2\x80\x99s International Environment Centre.

Description of Duties

• Provide advice and technical support as a domain expert to facilitate the design, implementation, and future strategy of Forth-ERA
• Develop and manage backend databases supporting spatial and non-spatial data for a range of scientific and commercial applications
• Develop and implement efficient and highly automated pipelines for the ingestion, storage, processing, analysis, and visualisation of datasets
• Develop and/or apply data science methods (e.g., machine learning) to the processing and analysis of near and real-time environment data from sensors, satellites, and models
• Support the development of front-end applications including web-based platforms for data visualisation and dissemination
• Support the development of research grant applications and commercial contract tenders through the provision of expert advice
• Write or contribute to journal publications, project reports, presentations and disseminate results and outcomes using other appropriate media as appropriate

Essential Criteria

• Honours Degree and PhD (or equivalent work-related experience) in a relevant and data intensive discipline such as computing science, mathematics, or Earth and environmental sciences
• The enthusiasm and ability to develop innovative and efficient solutions for handling environmental data and to solve complex problems using state-of-the-art data science techniques
• Experience developing and managing relational (e.g., PostGreSQL) and non-relational databases (e.g., MongoDB, COSMOS, particularly for handling spatial datasets
• Exceptionally strong programming skills in one or (ideally) more languages including Python, R, SQL, and JavaScript
• Experience with the development and management of RESTful APIs, ideally based on the FastAPI implementation in Python
• Experience developing in Microsoft Visual Studio or other IDEs (e.g., Jupyter lab) and the use of version control tools (e.g., Git). Experience developing in Linux and Microsoft environments
• Excellent interpersonal and time management skills including evidence of being responsible for small projects or identified parts of a larger projects
• Self-motivation, initiative, and independence in thought and working

Desirable Criteria

• PhD focussed on the application of data science to environmental challenges or comparable experience in industry
• Knowledge and experience developing and deploying applications in public cloud environments such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services
• Familiarity with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and spatial databases such as QGIS and PostGIS. Familiarity with the use of containerisation (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, Fargate) for deploying software particularly in a public cloud environment
• Experience integrating AI and machine learning techniques into workflows using libraries such as TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, Caret, or Tidymodels
• Experience in data visualisation for scientific and/or non-scientific audiences in languages such as JavaScript, Python, and R. Experience in frontend application develop particularly for data visualisation and a working knowledge of JavaScript, CSS, or HTML
• Knowledge of current IoT and internet communication protocols (e.g., MTTQ, HTTPS) and their application with public cloud infrastructures
• Confidence and ability to communicate effectively with external clients and partners from different organisations and disciplines
• Knowledge and interest in the environment and how data science can be applied to solve environmental challenges

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

• Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly. * Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

• Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation. * Embracing change

Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles. * Using resources effectively

Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets. * Engaging with the wider context

Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values. * Developing self and others

Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential. * Working together

Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process. * Achieving Results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland\xe2\x80\x99s International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

Biological and Environmental Sciences (BES)

Our research interests are broad, ranging from conservation and evolutionary ecology to environmental processes including carbon and nutrient cycling, aquatic and catchment sciences, landscape and forest ecology, evolutionary biology, environment and human health, energy and environmental sustainability. Research activities are led by principal investigators who seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of the natural environment and its interactions with human populations. We develop and exploit a range of technologies from Earth observation through to molecular techniques to understand how environments function and ecosystems are impacted from local to global scales and over annual to millennial timescales. Our research and impacts are found in all continents of the world and position us as a leading institution in Environmental Protection and Biological Conservation. In REF2021 all 100% of our research was rated as having either outstanding or very considerable impact.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe \xe2\x80\x93 addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society \xe2\x80\x93 and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University \xe2\x80\x93 also home to 1,700 staff \xe2\x80\x93 is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland\'s University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University\xe2\x80\x99s sports scholars \xe2\x80\x93 many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games \xe2\x80\x93 and for students, staff, and the wider community.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen\'s Anniversary Prize \xe2\x80\x93 the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

The University is a signatory to the \xc2\xa3214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
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