Temporary contract | 36 months | Belvaux

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

LIST is offering a fixed-term (3 year) position for an experienced biodiversity data engineer to reinforce its applied research activities on biodiversity. The successful candidate will join the Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment (BIODIV) research group at LIST that focusses on innovating the way data is sampled in the field to evaluate the spatial and temporal dynamics of living organisms. As a national hub at the interface between the scientific community and decision/policy makers in Luxembourg, the BIODIV group is sampling, collecting and analysing data on various living organisms to assess their changing conservation status and dynamics, as well as developing and making use of technology-based approaches (e.g. bioacoustics, imaging) for data collection and processing.

How will you contribute?

To strengthen our RDI capacities for ongoing projects on biodiversity monitoring and assessment, we are looking for a skilled and highly motivated data engineer with a strong background in biological data management and processing and with a marked interest for the development and use of innovative methods for the acquisition, processing and analysis of field data.

You will be integrated in the BIODIV group where teammates will share their knowledge and know-how with you.

You will be mainly in charge of:

·         Participating to RDI projects on biodiversity monitoring and assessment with autonomy and under limited oversight by the group leader or PIs

·         Taking responsibility for setting priorities and scheduling work related to data architecture, management and processing across RDI projects in the group

·         Contributing to the publication of high-quality research articles in peer-reviewed international journals

·         Contributing to the identification of new opportunities for innovation or application

Your specific tasks will focus on:

·         Designing and managing a biodiversity database platform centralising various types of monitoring data (including field records, samples, but also images-videos, sounds) collected across freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems in Luxembourg

·         Leading the implementation of data architecture, data flows (from field collection to analysis) and data interoperability and exchanges with external systems from other relevant stakeholders in Luxembourg and beyond

·         Strongly contributing to the development of innovative software solutions (e.g. modelling approaches, machine learning and AI-driven tools) for the processing and use of such data

·         Participating to the development of novel hardware/software solutions for automated biodiversity data acquisition in the field (e.g. bioacoustics, camera trapping)

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education and experience

·         Master’s degree and 3 years of work experience in a relevant discipline such as data science, computer science, biostatistics, bioengineering science or similar discipline. Education background in other disciplines such as biological or environmental sciences is possible if strong technical skills related to this job are demonstrated.

Skills

MUST HAVE

·         Proficiency in programming languages for data engineering such as SQL (preferably PostgreSQL)

·         Demonstrated experience with the management of big, diverse and complex biological datasets using dedicated software

·         Proven expertise in data architecture, manipulation and visualisation

·         Familiar with cloud computing and application software interfaces (APIs)

·         Good understanding of statistical methods and knowledge of statistical software and associated programming languages

·         Strong work organisation skills and capacity to plan work and establish priorities

·         Detail-oriented skills and problem-solving attitude

·         Experience with teamwork in an international and multicultural setting

·         Full autonomy on the execution of duties not requiring supervision

NICE to HAVE

·         Motivation for the preservation of the natural environment

·         Knowledge of existing large research infrastructures for biodiversity data

·         Hands-on experience with the analysis of biological data using dedicated software or programming languages (e.g. Python, R)

·         Experience with GIS applications and their web services

·         Knowledge of biodiversity monitoring programmes and good understanding of sampling designs

·         Interest for machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and their use in biodiversity data science

·         Interest for bioinformatic analyses of large and complex datasets derived from environmental DNA (eDNA) samples

·         Experience with collaboration tools like Git (GitHub) and related solutions

·         Experience with (or marked interest for) novel technologies and their application to biodiversity sampling and monitoring

·         Enthusiasm for flora and fauna in Luxembourg

Language skills

·         Good level in both written and spoken English. French or Luxembourgish would be an asset.

Your LIST benefits

·         An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

·         Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

·         Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

·         An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

·         Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills

·         Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce

·         Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions

·         Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

·         32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

·         Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

·         A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

·         A scientific CV with contact details

·         List of publications (and patents, if applicable)

·         Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.