SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN PRODUCTION GRADE A (DATABASE ADMIN)

Job Overview

A Scientific Technician Production Grade A (Database Admin) position is available in Cape Town. Applicants require a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in science, SACNASP registration, and at least 3 years of post-qualification technical experience. Responsibilities include database administration, managing the Marine Information Management System (MIMS), programming in Python or MATLAB, data analysis, and supporting marine research and climate change monitoring.

Requirements & Qualifications

• National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in science or relevant qualification within the related field as recognised by SAQA.
• Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a certificated natural scientist.
• At least three (3) years post-qualification technical (scientific) experience.
• Knowledge of Information systems engineering principles, scientific data formats, database design and entry, and open-source database tools such as SQL.
• Proficiency in programming skills in minimum one computing language, specifically Python or MATLAB.
• Basic knowledge of web development such as HTML, PHP or JavaScript would be advantageous.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, leadership, self-management, networking, planning, organisational, and conflict management skills.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Transforming data formats and performing routine operations on data.
• Maintaining databases and distributing information through the Marine Information Management System (MIMS).
• Developing and customizing operational software.
• Applying appropriate technical procedures and skills to generate information and knowledge.
• Compiling reports and making recommendations.
• Engaging with research staff to identify needs and requirements and providing technical support for data uploads on MIMS.
• Organizing scientific information to be FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable).
• Providing data management support to the Oceans and Coast branch to improve ocean processes and climate change monitoring.
• Supporting the digitisation of the Oceans and Coast historical dataset.
• Designing, developing and maintaining open-source databases for scientific data.
• Implementing web-based tools for data visualisation and capture.

Enquiries & Contact