Community Announcements

Tell the iDigBio community about your upcoming events, projects or other items pertinent to biodiversity and biological collections.

Anyone with an iDigBio account may create a community announcement. Once logged in, you can create a new community announcement here: New Community Announcement

Specify new releases and GGBN collaboration

The Specify Software Project (www.specifysoftware.org) is pleased to announce the fruition of a joint software effort with the Global Genome Biodiversity Network (www.ggbn.org) to facilitate the communication of genetic sample data to the GGBN Portal from biological museums around the world. Specify is a collections database management platform used by 450+ biological museum collections worldwide.

The collaboration has brought Specify into compliance with GGBN’s data standard recommendations for describing genetic samples (frozen tissues and DNA extracts) deposited in biological museums. The joint effort also resulted in the implementation of a new network capability in the Specify 7 web platform for automating the assembly and publication of Darwin Core Archives using the GGBN Material Sample Vocabulary or any other Darwin Core extension. Darwin Core Archive files are used for communicating specimen and sample data between museums and biodiversity data aggregators.

Our work extended the Specify database schema by adding a ‘Material Sample’ table and new logical relationships to robustly support the use of frozen tissues and DNA extracts in biological museums to document biological diversity and for phylogenetic research. We also updated the Specify user interface to accommodate the new genetic resource data types.

This new support for tissues and molecular extracts is available now in Specify 6.6.06 and 7.3. The embedded Darwin Core Archive publisher is available in Specify 7, which is downloadable from the product’s GitHub site: www.github.com/specify.

The Specify Software Project looks forward to supporting these new features for museums worldwide with genetic resource collections to promote the aggregation of tissue and extract data in the GGBN Portal: www.ggbn.org/ggbn_portal.

The Specify Software Project is an open-source initiative that has provided biological museums for 30 years with robust data management platforms and research data management services for curating and processing biological specimen information. The Specify Project is grateful for the technical and financial support of the Global Genome Initiative underwriting the development of these integration capabilities.

Job Opportunity: Biodiversity Informatics Manager at Canadensys

Biodiversity Informatics Manager

Canadensys network

Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre

Context

Canadensys (http://www.canadensys.net) is a network of researchers and biological collections in Canada with the mission to unlock, publish and aggregate specimen information and occurrences from Canadian institutions and initiatives, and to publish them to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The network encompasses over 30 biological collections that focus mostly on plants, fungi and insects. Canadensys is currently the largest data provider on GBIF for the Canada. The current team is composed of a programmer and a data manager.

Job description

The Biodiversity Informatics Manager will maintain, improve and expand the Canadensys biodiversity network, to ensure its relevance, usefulness and visibility. He/She will design and implement innovative tools to publish, synthesise and display biodiversity data, building upon the current infrastructure, which includes a community portal (http://www.canadensys.ne), blog (http://www.canadensys.net/blog), explorer (http://explorer.canadensys.net/) repository (http://data.canadensys.net/ipt), and checklist database for vascular plants(http://data.canadensys.net/vascan). This work will require coordination and communication with national and international biodiversity informatics initiatives such as the Canadian Biodiversity Informatics Facility (CBIF), the GBIF and the Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG). The Biodiversity Informatics Manager will be expected to assume an active role in these initiatives(leadership, collaboration, training). He/She will supervise and closely collaborate with a programmer and other informatics-related staff, interact with a large community of researchers,and supervise the data management protocol (database management, efficient data entry, specimen digitization, and data publication). The candidate will work in an environment and contribute to an endeavor where initiative and innovationare both essential and encouraged.

Qualifications

M.Sc or Ph.D. in biology, with a university degree in computer science and/or equivalent experience in both fields. The candidate will have sound informatics network management skills and experience, with examples of achievements in production-level networks. Preference will be given to candidates with experience with software development, biodiversity research, digitization of biological collections, and data publication (e.g. Integrated Publishing Toolkit, Darwin Core). The candidate will have excellent leadership qualities, communication, networking and interpersonal skills, and a working knowledge of English and French.

Work environment

The biodiversity informatics manager will be based at the headquarters of the Canadensys network in the Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre. As part of the Institut de recherche en biologie végétale (www.irbv.umontreal.ca), the Centre is located on the grounds of the Montreal Botanical Garden. The position is for one year starting in January 2018 (negotiable), with the possibility of renewal. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications.

Applicants should send by e-mail, before the 1st of December 2017 (or until the position is filled), a letter of interest, c.v., and the names and contact information of three references to: Anne Bruneau, Director Institut de recherche en biologie végétale 4101 Sherbrooke St. East Montreal, Quebec, H1X 2B2 anne.bruneau@umontreal.ca

Job Opportunity: Research Museum Collection Manager – Insect Division, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

http://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/149249/research_museum_collection_ma...

Responsibilities

Growth, Maintenance and Digitization (GMD) of the insect collections, including pinned, slide-mounted, fluid preserved and frozen specimens, and paper archives. Activities may include organizing and participating in field expeditions (which will include international collecting), coordinating and contributing directly to digitization efforts, as well as writing collection-based grants to support GMD of the insect collection. Responsibilities also include working with faculty curators to develop and implement policies, standards, and procedures for the scientific and technical work performed within the research collections; reviewing, updating, and enhancing the insect collections management plan.
Confer with faculty and student researchers to plan and develop research projects utilizing the research collections and/or that enhance collection resources. Author or co-author articles / book chapters for publication; present or co-present with faculty in class settings or at scientific conferences; secure grant funding for research projects that enhance collection resources.
Accessioning of new specimens. Activities involve preserving new specimens in the appropriate manner and cataloging them in the electronic database, with taxonomic identities to order and family (minimally). When needed, use DNA barcoding to classify unknowns.
Maintenance and growth of the insect genomic resources in the Liquid Nitrogen Facility. This activity involves the accessioning of new specimens and maintenance of database records on genomic resources in the Insect Division.
Coordinate and process inter-departmental and inter-institutional loans and exchanges. Activities include the packing and unpacking of loans (specimens and tissues) and providing federal and international permit information when appropriate, and the electronic exchange of digitized information.
Routine maintenance of the data portal through which our holdings are made accessible to researchers across the world. This activity requires regular attention to both our electronic, searchable database and a server that connects us to the international community.
Training and supervision of staff volunteers, work-study students and graduate research assistants in all aspects of specimen preparation and conservation practices, geo-referencing and digital imaging of specimens and routine collections maintenance tasks.
Maintenance of the collection areas and equipment to make them suitable for research, outreach, and use by visitors, either on site or remotely through online communication.
Coordination of research visits and educational tours of the collections; participation in museum outreach activities.

Required Qualifications

An advanced degree (master’s or doctoral) in biology, zoology, or related fields with 3-5 years of museum experience and/or insect systematics is required. Experience with database construction, use, and management is strongly preferred, and molecular experience is highly desirable. Familiarity with research collections is required, as is expertise with insects; expertise with arachnids is desirable.

Additional Information

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan, fulfill the College’s Guiding Principles, and sustain the excellence of LSA.

To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion visit http://lsa.umich.edu/lsa/about/diversity--equity-and-inclusion.html

Postdoctoral Position in Public Participation in Digitization of Biodiversity Collections

A postdoctoral position is available with iDigBio in the research group of Prof. Austin Mast (Department of Biological Science, Florida State University; http://www.bio.fsu.edu/faculty-mast.php) to study engagement of the public in the digitization of biodiversity research collections, especially as it relates to the community’s Worldwide Engagement for Digitizing Biocollections (WeDigBio) Event. iDigBio (www.idigbio.org) is the US NSF's National Resource for Advancing Digitization of Biodiversity Collections, and it is located at the University of Florida and Florida State University. The WeDigBio Event (www.wedigbio.org) is an annual, 4-day event that mixes onsite engagement at museums, universities, etc. with engagement of distributed participants to produce an exciting, educational global data campaign for science. New developments that could be a part of this postdoc’s activities include the build-out of the nascent WeDigBio virtual science festival, creation of virtual reality biocollections tours, and completion of a strategic plan for the WeDigBio Event. The WeDigBio Event has a history of innovation, including in the area of augmented reality.

A Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., biodiversity research, biodiversity informatics, science education, citizen science) is required, as is demonstration of (1) familiarity with (or interest to learn about) biodiversity collections and their digitization, (2) successful collaboration and time management skills, (3) successful written and oral communication skills, and (4) enthusiasm for trailblazing for the benefit of science and society. Desired, though not required, qualities include familiarity with relevant principles of biodiversity informatics, experience in marketing (especially social media marketing), fluency in a second language, and experience with immersive (AR and VR) technologies. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to interact positively and productively with a wide range of people (more so than in many other postdoctoral positions), including other members of iDigBio, members of the large collections community (e.g., in working groups and workshops), software developers working on digitization tools, educators, and other members of the citizen science community of practice.

Annual salary starts at $48,000, and the position is expected to be for one year. It is based in Tallahassee, Florida, a small state capital bordered on the south and west by the Apalachicola National Forest and on the north by the historical hunting plantations of the Red Hills Region. White-sand beaches, clear freshwater springs, and hiking and biking trails are within easy driving distances of town. The region is one of North America's biotic hotspots.

To apply, send a cover letter and CV with contact information for three references in a single pdf file to Austin Mast (amast@bio.fsu.edu). In the cover letter, please cite past activities that demonstrate each of (1) through (4) above as well as provide the date on which you could start the position and a paragraph or two on your long-term career goals and how you see this position fitting into them. Applications will be considered beginning on Nov 15 until the position is filled. Florida State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Opportunity: JRS Biodiversity Foundation Program Manager

The JRS Biodiversity Foundation
The JRS Biodiversity Foundation is hiring a Foundation Program Manager to manage vital elements of the foundation’s administration and grantmaking programs. The JRS Biodiversity Foundation’s mission is increase access to and use of information that will lead to greater biodiversity conservation and more sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa. We are the only funder focused on increasing access to biodiversity data and on the IT behind conservation decisions. With assets of $42M, we invest about $1.8M per year in six to ten, multi-year grants.

A Unique Opportunity in Biodiversity Informatics & Conservation
The Foundation Program Manager is a dual role that combines technical areas of grantmaking, grants management, and evaluation with operational areas of administration, finance, and governance. This is a unique chance for a professional to learn about and to contribute to every aspect of a small strategic philanthropy. The Program Manager will report to, and work in close partnership with, the Executive Director in the foundation’s Seattle office.

Experience and high levels of interest in these areas of qualifications will make for a great fit:

Grantmaking, program evaluation, or operations in strategic philanthropy.
Project management in international development, research, or the private sector.
A degree in a relevant field of environmental science that preferably includes knowledge of data science and biodiversity informatics.
Experience with working and/or managing projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
Financial management or strategic communications.

You Will Make Everything We Do Even Better
As the second full-time staff-person, you’ll be able to make an impact on everything we do to keep improving as a highly effective grant-maker. You will welcome the challenge to work on the toughest questions or the most mundane details in these areas:

Grants management: Support, coach, and mentor grantees to report on progress, adapt plans and budgets, and pursue their goals to get the most “bang for the buck.”
Grant and program evaluation: Monitor and evaluate grant performance with an enthusiasm for learning, data, and continual improvement.
Grant-making: Manage requests for proposals and review proposals to help creative applicants win JRS grants and to succeed. Research new areas, monitor trends, and seek opportunities.
Strategic Communications: Manage and create content for our website to advance the work of our grantees and partners, humble brag, and promote open access to biodiversity data.
Financial Administration: Assist in budget management, accounting, bill payment, and audits with a zeal for accuracy and rigor and dogged patience for getting the numbers right.
Operations: Ensure JRS policies are cutting-edge and that we comply with State and Federal regulations, follow foundation policy and Board direction, and achieve annual goals.
Board of Trustees Support: Assist with communications and planning to support Board Committees, plan and administer Trustee travel, and prepare materials for meetings.

Is this you?
The ideal candidate is passionate about environmental conservation and sustainable development in Africa and is happiest when helping others to succeed. You are fascinated by organizational development, how change is catalyzed, the motivation of teams and leaders, and the potential of philanthropy to support African change-makers. You love science, data, and analysis and, though you think like a scientist, you know the laboratory or the field is not quite the place for your talents. You are detail-oriented, believe that excellent plans are the key to adaptation, and can manage multiple projects with grace and humor. You are curious, question assumptions, and believe there is always a better way. There is a bit of a rebel in you. You ultimately imagine yourself in an organizational leadership position. You think a job at a foundation would be cool – even at a small one.

Minimum Qualifications

M.A. or Ph.D. in fields related to JRS’ operations and strategy.
3-5 years post-university work or education experience.
Significantly meet 3 of the 5 experience qualifications above.
Successful applicants will be asked to show proof that they can legally work in the United States.

Location, Benefits and Compensation
The foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a salary that is commensurate with education and related work experience. The position is full-time, exempt, and located in Seattle, WA. Occasional early or late calls, overtime, and travel in the U.S. and abroad is expected.

How to Apply
Please go to https://jrs-biodiversity-foundation.breezy.hr/ to apply online. Applications will be accepted until September 30 unless otherwise noted on the foundation’s website at http://jrsbiodiversity.org.