Department: Earth Sciences - Oregon Hazards Lab
Rank: Research Assistant
Annual Basis: 12 Month
Review of Applications Begins
May 23, 2025; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure consideration, complete applications must include the following along with the online application:
• A cover letter highlighting how your knowledge, skills, and experience qualify you for this position.
• A resume of your professional work experience and education.
The online application includes the name and contact information of at least three professional references. The candidate will be notified prior to references being contacted.
Department Summary
The Department of Earth Sciences (ERTH) is a member of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) that supports significant research activities in many fields of Earth and Environmental Science. The Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ) is a research program within CAS-ERTH. OHAZ uses science, technology, and community engagement to understand, detect, and mitigate multi-hazards within the Pacific Northwest. OHAZ consists of over 25 academic and research faculty, undergraduate student employees, and administrative staff. OHAZ works with a broad consortium of collaborators within the University of Oregon and with external groups across the United States. Support for the program comes from a diverse range of sources that includes the State of Oregon, various Federal agencies (U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Science Foundation), and Utility providers. Research activities span a variety of disciplines that enable complex field deployments, robust and secure data telecommunications, stakeholder outreach and community engagement, and leadership in regional hazard monitoring initiatives. See ohaz.uoregon.edu for more information.
Position Summary
The Oregon Hazards Lab at the University of Oregon, Department of Earth Sciences seeks an experienced Data and Devices Specialist to manage programmatic technological solutions. The Specialist will work closely with OHAZ Assistant Directors, OHAZ Leads, and OHAZ staff to coordinate, configure, and administer a variety of digital processes and devices with an emphasis on upkeep of real-time data and field operations. This position will also be important for research continuity between on-campus data operations and remote, off-campus field operations.
In the on-campus data realm, the Specialist will be responsible for hands-on data operations, including seismic data flow and state-of-health data review and upkeep. Additional duties include inventory, configuration, and preparation of devices to a state of installation readiness. In the off-campus field realm, the Specialist will carry out field maintenance duties and support installations.
This position requires the exercise of timely, internal communication as well as external communications related to problem resolution. Professional contact with partner organizations will be of key importance, with emphasis on outage resolution and assurance of data operations and device management best practices.
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelors’ degree, or equivalent years of experience in a relevant field.
• Experience with seismic network operations, inclusive of data handling, device management, and networking operations.
Professional Competencies
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to deliver customer service.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks in parallel, with evidence of organization, documentation and attention to detail.
• Ability to mentor undergraduate students, including capacity to instruct OHAZ-related technological concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse environments.
• Keen attention to documentation, standards, procedures, and controls.
• Understanding of State of Health monitoring and underlying data parameters.
• Able to receive and apply feedback appropriately.
• Familiarity with real-time data flow from seismic devices, including device configuration and firmware management.
• Familiarity with working in a 24/7 operational organization.
Preferred Qualifications
• Three or more years of experience with device management and data systems.
• Successful history with grant-funded projects.
• Understanding of computer networking, including VPNs and private networks.
• Interest in supporting scientific research and advancing public safety.
• Experience troubleshooting hardware and software for all end user devices and servers.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-benefits.
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
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