Open data Officer ENG

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VACANT POSITION: OPEN DATA OFFICER
BASED IN THE RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR NATURE AND FOREST (INBO)

The Belgian Biodiversity Platform is seeking a Data Publication Officer (m/f/x) for biodiversity science-policy related open data publication based at the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO).

The Belgian Biodiversity Platform
The Belgian Biodiversity Platform (BBPF) is a science-policy interface body funded by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO) and is supported by a Cooperation Agreement between the federal and concerned federated authorities. Within the field of biodiversity, it acts as a broker between policy, science and practice. We are presently seeking to hire a full time Data Publication  Officer to work on open data/science activities for a One-year period, starting in June/July and possibly extended.

The Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) 
The Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) is the independent research institute of the Flemish government that underpins and evaluates biodiversity policy and management by means of applied scientific research, data and knowledge sharing.

 

TASKS

  • Liaise with biodiversity data holders and users in Belgium, with a focus on organisations, institutes and universities in Flanders to facilitate biodiversity data publication through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (www.gbif.org) with the support of the Belgian GBIF node and the data management/ data portal team in INBO. 
  • You prepare datasets for publication. To do this, you extract, clean, and standardize the data (using the Darwin Core Standard), and describe it using metadata.
  • Collaborate with Belgian nodes of European Infrastructures DiSSCo, CETAF, LifeWatch, Elixir…
  • You support the Belgian Community of Practice on Biodiversity Informatics.
  • Assist in the development of long term strategies for data mobilisation within the Belgian GBIF node.
  • Support and/or initiate the organisation and facilitation of scientific meetings, workshops and events.
  • Advice the Platform team on new networking opportunities. 
  • Support the work of the Platform in selected national and international biodiversity initiatives, as appropriate.

 

PROFILE

We seek an enthusiast collaborator with the following profile and qualifications: 

Mandatory:

  • Hold a university degree (MSc or equivalent) in any field related to biodiversity; experience with biodiversity or environmental research or policy is an asset.
  • You are interested in the field of biodiversity informatics, connecting biodiversity science with information technology.
  • Good knowledge of FAIR principles in the context of Open science & Open data. 
  • Have excellent networking and communication skills, being fluent in Dutch and English is mandatory.
  • Genuine interest in and enthusiasm for biodiversity research and policy, and biodiversity data and data standards in particular.
  • Flexibility, ability to adapt quickly to new issues, proactive attitude, self-motivation. 
  • Ability to multitask, work in a team and independently, and take initiative.

Nice to have:

  • You have experience with/knowledge of managing and retrieving data and the tools for this (e.g., databases, SQL, APIs).
  • You have experience with/knowledge of transforming/cleaning data and the tools for this (e.g., OpenRefine, R and Python languages…).
  • You have knowledge… of international standards (e.g., Darwin Core, Catalogue of Life Data Packages) and tools (e.g., GBIF IPT, GBIF Registry, GrSCiColl) for publishing biodiversity data.
  • You have experience with GIT

 

OUR OFFER

  • You will join an organization where you can contribute to society. Together, we anticipate current evolutions and needs within the community.
  • A short-term contractual position of one year, possibly extended, based at the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
  • You will receive a salary based on established salary scales. Several factors determine the salary, and your individual situation also plays a role. You can take a look at our salary simulator and use the information below:
    • Position level: A1
      Grade: Scientific Attaché
      Salary scale: A165/A166
  • The manager can choose to include your relevant professional experience in the calculation of your salary. Experience in both the private and public sectors qualifies for this consideration.
  • We highly value the work-life balance of our employees. You receive 35 days of vacation per year, and you can also enjoy the year-end holidays in peace as you are off work between Christmas and New Year!
  • Your offer of additional benefits:
    • Meal vouchers (€8 per worked day, with €6.91 paid by the employer and €1.09 by the employee through a monthly deduction from the net salary)
    • Professional childcare during school holidays at the main offices (Brussels, Antwerp, Mechelen, Hasselt, Leuven, Ghent, Aalst, and Bruges) for children aged 3 to 14 years
    • Free public transportation to and from work or a bicycle allowance for your commute. You can choose from various flexible transportation options, or a combination, with the Flemish government promoting the most sustainable travel options. There is also a wide range of lease bicycles available!
    • Hospitalization insurance
    • Supplementary pension
  • Your activity determines your workplace. For most positions, you can work at the office, from home, or at a satellite office.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Job interview will take place in the first half of September. Applications should be sent no later than July 31th 2024 to Leendert Plaetinck lplaetinck@naturalsciences.be (subject:  Data Publication Officer) with a CV, cover letter and any evidence demonstrating the skills and competences described above.  

For further information on the actual job content, contact André Heughebaert (a.heughebaert@biodiversity.be).