Data Management Specialist

Department: Centre for Biodiversity Genomics 
This position is classified under the Grant and Trust Administrative & Technical Group

Temporary full-time from 01/05/2026   to 01/04/2027 
Contract has a 1-year term and is renewable based on funding availability and project needs.

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.  
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) 

General Purpose

The Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG), at the University of Guelph, is a world-leading research centre dedicated to advancing global biodiversity science through DNA analysis. Home to the world’s largest COI DNA reference library, CBG develops and applies DNA-based tools for species identification, classification, and conservation with significant implications for biodiversity monitoring, food safety, environmental protection, and public health initiatives. Our diverse team of scientists, technologists, AI experts, and data specialists share a common mission: to accelerate DNA-based species identification and empower the global biodiversity community through innovation, data excellence, and collaboration.

We are seeking a Data Management Specialist to join our informatics team. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for supporting international researchers with data submission, validation, and analysis across BOLD (Barcode of Life Data System) and related platforms. 

This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, data-driven professional passionate about biodiversity, database integrity, and research support. You’ll help ensure high-quality data, maintain and enhance one of the world’s leading biodiversity data infrastructures and support process improvement initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Process and validate large datasets; perform quality assurance and quality control checks to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Database management and curation - Identify and resolve taxonomic, geographic, and general data inconsistencies.
• Provide timely, informative support to users; communicate data standards, policies, and best practices.
• Create dashboards, charts, and reports to communicate trends, QA/QC metrics, and analytical outcomes.
• Collect, analyze, and visualize key performance indicators to track and monitor system performance.
• Conduct literature and database mining, statistical analyses, and reporting to support biodiversity research.
• Communicate with members of the academic research community about data management processes and policies, support training initiatives and workshops.
• Produce user guides, SOPs, and workflow documentation to improve efficiency and data quality.
• Participate in regular meetings with the Data Management Team to review progress, share insights, and align on goals.

Requirements

• Two Year Diploma in Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Environmental Science, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience); Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is preferred
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, for data handling and visualization.
• Experience with large data management, QA/QC, and data curation.
  
  

Assets

• Knowledge of SQL for data analysis and transformation.
• Familiarity with statistical and visualization tools such as R, Python, Power BI, or Tableau.
• Understanding of taxonomy, biodiversity data, and/or DNA barcoding concepts.
• Experience in user support or customer service roles is an asset.
• Strong documentation and KPI-tracking skills to support process evaluation and improvement.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work at the interface of cutting-edge science, data management, and software innovation in a collaborative environment.
• Opportunities for career growth and leadership development within the data management team.
• The potential to collaborate with or join startup companies incubated by the CBG.
• A workplace committed to inclusivity, innovation, and scientific excellence.

Employee Type: Temporary  
Classification: Grant/ Trust fund position, Band  GTAT - Band B 
GTAT (Grant & Trust Administrative and Technical) Salary Grid 

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 12/08/2025 
Close Date: 12/22/2025