Assistant Director, Computational Platforms Job Listing at University of California in Santa Cruz, CA (Job ID 69406)

Description

JOB POSTING

NO VISA SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION. 
Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a Baskin Engineering or affiliate staff position. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our Talent Acquisition website. 

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD.  Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 06-05-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Genomics Institute (GI), an Organized Research Unit located within the Baskin School of Engineering, with faculty from several divisions on campus, leads UC Santa Cruz's efforts to unlock the world's genomic data and accelerate breakthroughs in health and conservation biology. With the theme of Genomics for Everybody, GI platforms, technologies, and researchers unite global communities to create and deploy data-driven, life-saving treatments and innovative environmental and conservation efforts, while addressing the most fundamental societal and policy questions. The Genomics Institute is committed to broadening participation in this endeavor, and bringing the benefits of genomics to the widest range of world populations and ecosystems.

The Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz is unique among public engineering schools. Founded in 1997, in the age of the internet, the Baskin Engineering community is deeply committed to addressing the most important engineering challenges posed by our modern world. Faculty and students pursue novel, visionary research guided by a mission to create positive societal impact. Through future-looking programs of study and opportunities to engage in collaborative research across campus and with industry partners in Santa Cruz and nearby Silicon Valley, Baskin engineers are developing meaningful innovations that improve the lives of people and the health of our planet.

In addition to the scenic residential campus in Santa Cruz, the Westside Research Park hosts genomics and electrical and computer engineering labs and interdisciplinary research. Our Silicon Valley campus is home to faculty, graduate students, and professional master's programs with deep connections to this world renowned hub for research and innovation.

We champion new ideas, foster collaboration, and uphold the UCSC Principles of Community.

More information about the Genomics Institute can be found at: https://ucscgenomics.soe.ucsc.edu
More information about Baskin Engineering can be found at: https://engineering.ucsc.edu

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Director of Computational Platforms plays a crucial leadership role in our organization, with primary responsibilities focused on the strategic oversight of data systems. This position involves spearheading the development, maintenance, and optimization of these systems to ensure they align with the organization's goals. The Assistant Director is at the forefront of driving innovation and efficiency in data-related processes.

In collaboration with cross-functional teams, the Assistant Director actively contributes to the seamless integration of data systems across the organization. This entails fostering effective communication channels and understanding the diverse data requirements. The role extends beyond day-to-day operations, encompassing a commitment to upholding the integrity and security of our data assets.

As the custodian of data efficiency, the Assistant Director continually assesses and refines data systems, staying abreast of industry trends to implement state-of-the-art solutions. This dynamic leadership role combines strategic thinking, collaborative engagement, and a keen focus on the security and efficiency of data systems, positioning the Assistant Director as a key architect of our organization's data infrastructure.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $101,100 - $123,900/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment 

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus / Hybrid

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 000599 (DATA SYS ANL 4)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

15% - Database Management

• Database Management:
  • Initiate the design, implementation, and maintenance of databases.
  • Ensure data integrity, security, and optimal performance of database systems.
  • Develop and implement data retention policies and procedures.
• System Design and Implementation:
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement data systems that meet organizational requirements.
  • Evaluate and select appropriate technologies for data storage, processing, and retrieval.
  • Ensure scalability and flexibility in data system architecture.
• Troubleshooting and Issue Resolution:
  • Act as a point of contact for resolving complex data-related issues.
  • Investigate and troubleshoot data discrepancies, system errors, and performance issues.
  • Develop and implement strategies to prevent recurrence of data issues.
• Documentation:
  • Maintain comprehensive documentation for data systems, including architectures, configurations, and procedures.
  • Ensure documentation is up-to-date and accessible to relevant team members.

15% - Performance Monitoring and Data Security

• Performance Monitoring and Optimization:
  • Implement monitoring tools to track the performance of data systems.
  • Proactively identify and address performance bottlenecks.
  • Optimize database queries and system configurations for efficiency.
• Data Security and Compliance:
  • Establish and enforce data security measures to protect sensitive information.
  • Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
  • Conduct regular security audits and implement necessary improvements.

30% - Project Management and Collaboration

• Project Management:
  • Manage data-related projects from initiation to completion, ensuring deadlines and deliverables are met.
  • Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders to define project scope and objectives.
• Collaboration:
  • Work closely with other departments to understand their data requirements.
  • Collaborate with software developers, analysts, and business stakeholders to ensure data systems align with organizational goals.

30% - Team Leadership and Training and Development

• Team Leadership:
  • Lead a team of data professionals, including database administrators and data analysts.
  • Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to team members.
  • Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture.
• Training and Development:
  • Provide ongoing training to team members on new technologies, tools, and best practices.
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning within the data management team.

10% - Vendor Management

• Evaluate and manage relationships with third-party vendors providing data-related services.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure vendor compliance with service level agreements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics and / or a comparable field.
• Experience with genomic sequence data formats (ONT, PacBio HiFi, Illumina Short Read).
• Experience in cloud computing, data visualization, workflow management, version control, and scripting languages (R, Python, and bash).
• Proficiency in developing comprehensive data/information documentation for highly complex small and medium-sized projects.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
• Ability to plan and execute data analysis efforts for such projects, including managing partnerships between multiple institutions.
• Skilled in establishing and upholding information documentation standards, including data naming conventions and descriptions of value domains.
• Proficient in scheduling and leading analysis sessions, while also documenting ownership, custody, and access requirements for data subject areas.
• Ability to coordinate reviews of data models and definitions, coupled with the development of conceptual and detailed data models for projects.
• Ability to design, execute, and sustain metadata for collections of digital objects, contributing to efficient data management and retrieval processes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's of Science.
• Expertise in developing dimensional models for data subject areas, as well as creating and managing workflows, including ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes and data curation.
• Proficiency in initiating and designing diverse data and data systems, along with implementing detailed interfaces between computer systems.
• Prior management experience and publication development.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work a hybrid work schedule and must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work a variable schedule.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination