Research Assistant III, Ontology, Metadata, and Vocabulary Specialist

University of Guelph

  • Guelph, ON
  • Temporaire
  • Temps-partiel
  • Il y a 19 jours
The Linked Infrastructure for Networked Cultural Scholarship (LINCS) Project, College of ArtsTemporary full-time from May 1, 2024 to November 1, 2024
Hiring #: 2024-0200Please read the before applyingThe Linked Infrastructure for Networked Cultural Scholarship (LINCS) project ( ) requires an ambitious and collaborative-minded colleague to join our project to make the Web more meaningful for researchers of culture, history, and literature. LINCS works with humanities and social science researchers across Canada to convert and link cultural datasets to create Linked Open Data for the Semantic Web, foregrounding difference, diversity, and the perspectives of the humanities from a wide range of disciplines. It is also makes available tools and interfaces for the creation and use of Linked Open Data.We are looking for a dynamic and creative individual to contribute to this national cyberinfrastructure project. The right candidate will be familiar with linked data standards, will be detail-oriented, will have excellent communication skills, and will be keen to make a difference in how cultural knowledge circulates online.This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with a critical infrastructure project aiming for high impact within and beyond the academy. Reporting to the LINCS technical manager, the Ontology and Metadata Specialist will build on existing patterns and policies to guide ontology work for the LINCS instructure.. This job is a full-time or part-time research scientist position for six (6), with the possibility of extension if funds permit. The position is flexible to the needs of the successful applicant. Qualified individuals seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply.Job description/responsibilities:The LINCS Ontology and Metadata Specialist has responsibilities for managing the LINCS ontologies, aiding LINCS developers who are using these ontologies in their software development, and guiding researchers in data modelling and conversion.The Ontology and Metadata Specialist will:
  • Support researchers creating linked data
  • Work with LINCS researchers to model data in CIDOC CRM, consult on vocabulary requirements, document decisions in application profiles, converting data using X3ML
  • Through the application of new and existing LINCS ontologies and vocabularies, facilitate interoperability between datasets
  • Provide training related to linked data, including creating training materials for and teaching workshops, as time and inclination permit
  • Manage LINCS ontologies, vocabularies, and metadata
  • Coordinate the maintenance, application, and expansion as needed of LINCS's ontologies and vocabularies
  • Oversee documentation related to ontologies and vocabularies
  • Support LINCS developers and infrastructure
  • Oversee LINCS-hosted vocabularies, including monitoring, reviewing, and refining existing and new LINCS vocabularies across datasets, and collaborating with developers on exposing and leveraging vocabularies used in LINCS
  • Implement validation and testing protocols and scripts for all aspects of ontology development and deployment
  • With the support of the Project Manager and Technical Manager, consult with the LINCS developers doing data conversion to clarify ontology, vocabulary, and metadata requirements, and to ensure consistent use across those processes
  • Contribute to the sustainability of LINCS
  • Disseminate information about LINCS ontology work within Canada and internationally, as time and inclination permit
  • Contribute to long-term strategic development and planning
Qualifications and experience
  • Required experience:
  • Master's degree in a relevant field, or 3 years of industrial experience using ontologies and other semantic technologies after an undergraduate degree in a relevant field
  • Desired experience:
  • Background in a humanities domain or experience working with humanities researchers
  • Experience with Linked Open Data technologies and standards
  • Experience with collaborative research, infrastructure, or software development projects involving multiple stakeholders and external partners
  • Subject-specific knowledge:
  • Familiarity with Linked Open Data conceptual and technical requirements
  • Familiarity with ontologies, in particular CIDOC CRM, Web Annotation, and SKOS
  • Familiarity with RDF serialization formats, in particular RDF/XML and TTL
  • Awareness of current issues and trends in electronic resource management, metadata management, and cataloguing, and related technologies
  • General skills:
  • Excellent oral, visual, and written communications skills
  • Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
  • Comfort with researching and learning new technologies
Other Details:This position is expected to be 6 months full-time, or an equivalent number of hours on part-time schedule. The schedule can be flexible to the needs of the successful applicant. Qualified individuals seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply.This position is based at the University of Guelph, but if candidates are not local, we are able to accommodate working remotely. We are unable to pay relocation costs.This position is limited to applicants who are residents of Ontario. Qualified applicants who are not residents of Ontario may contact us at to indicate their interest in contract-based work with the same responsibilities and qualifications listed above.Please provide a letter of application outlining your interest in the position, a CV, and the names and contact information for three people willing to provide references by phone or letter.Classification Grant/ Trust fund position, Band P04At the University of Guelph, fostering a 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.

University of Guelph