Data Harmonisation Analyst

NIOO has recently set the ambition to harmonise data collection and strengthen data management across the institute. This will support NIOO's Open Science ambitions as the national hub for ecology and forms part of the broader NIOO Open Data for Ecology (NODE) project.

Within NIOO, there is a vast number of small, fragmented datasets collected by numerous individual researchers in small projects. These data are often low-volume and heterogeneous in format and methodology, which is typical in the ecology and evolution domain (the so-called long tail of science). The interoperability and interpretation of these data could be improved by harmonising the data formats used and ensuring that future data collection can be set up to adhere to community accepted data standards.

To achieve this, we first need to understand which data practices are currently in use, how they relate to one another, and which overarching standards should be applied across the institute.

What you will be doing

As Data Harmonisation Analyst you will be tasked with:

• mapping the fragmented data landscape at NIOO
• clustering the different datasets in terms of design, structure and use
• identifying standards and open science practices relevant for each cluster

As Data Harmonisation Analyst you will contribute to:

• setting up harmonisation protocols for existing datasets
• the organisation of practical workshops and tutorials that can help individual researchers at NIOO with data management

What you will be contributing

You have completed education at HBO level or have an equivalent level of working and thinking acquired through relevant experience. A background in Ecology, Biology, Life Sciences, or Information Science is an advantage, but we value your skills and attitude more than your specific degree.

You work accurately and in a structured way, applying established methods consistently while maintaining a strong eye for detail. You communicate clearly in both Dutch and English, enabling you to collaborate effectively with colleagues across all levels of the organisation. You are proactive, patient, and service-oriented, and enjoy helping others find practical solutions.

Your profile is a good fit if you:

• have experience with script-based data wrangling, standardisation and validation, preferably in R;
• are familiar with, or have a strong interest in, data standards and metadata schemas relevant in ecology, such as Darwin Core and Ecological Metadata Language (EML);
• have a background in, or strong interest in, Open and FAIR research practices and reproducible science;
• enjoy working with researchers and helping to lower the threshold for good data management through workshops and hands-on support.

What do we offer?

We offer a varied and impactful position in which you contribute directly to strengthening data management across the institute. You will work with committed colleagues in an international and innovative research environment, with ample opportunity to take initiative, contribute your own ideas, and further develop your skills through both hands-on experience and training.

This is a fixed-term position for up to three years within the NODE project for 4 days per week (0.8 FTE).

Your workplace

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in Wageningen is a leading research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). NIOO-KNAW conducts and promotes cutting-edge ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and the sustainable use of land and water.

You will work within the NODE project, contributing to Work Packages 2 and 3. This places you at the heart of the project and gives you a central, connecting role across the NIOO-KNAW, with direct contact with the researchers for whom you make a difference.

Day to day you work in the Research Support Office (RSO), a small, diverse team that supports researchers in data management, grant support, scientific information services, AI and policy development, with short communication lines and collegial atmosphere.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.