Senior Advisor, Geoscience Data & Systems, NovaGEOSCIENCE

Job Summary

Dalhousie University is administering the NovaGEOSCIENCE Program (the “Program”) in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. The Program is a province-building initiative to digitize, modernize, and expand Nova Scotia’s geoscience assets through a coordinated, AI-ready data modernization program. The initiative will begin with the large-scale digitization of provincial drill core and associated geoscience datasets and will also include the acquisition and integration of new, modernized geophysical data through targeted airborne survey programs. Reporting to the Program Director, the Senior Advisor functions as an independent subject‑matter expert, advising on technical standards, methodologies, and contractor deliverables across geoscience digitization, geophysical data acquisition, digital platforms, and AI/ML‑enabled workflows. The Senior Advisor will focus on ensuring appropriate data management and working with a contractor to deliver a data platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the oversight for a digital platform, ensuring strong alignment with interoperability, discoverability, and long-term data stewardship requirements.
• Advise on the responsible use of AI and machine learning to enhance data quality, automation, and analytical capabilities.
• Provide technical leadership on data quality, standards, and methodologies across core scanning, geophysical surveys, and geoscience data digitization.
• Review and validate complex technical deliverables to ensure compliance with approved specifications, best practices, and governance standards.
• Serve as a key technical advisor to committees and senior stakeholders, translating complex concepts, risks, and trade-offs into clear, actionable guidance.
• Ensure alignment with provincial and national data initiatives, while collaborating with digital, cybersecurity, and external partners to support system integrity and resilience.

Note

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person in the Halifax location (Hollis Street) with regular travel to Stellarton, Nova Scotia.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in data science, geomatics, computer science, geoscience, or a related discipline, plus approximately five to seven years’ related experience (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Significant hands-on experience working with scientific, geospatial, or research data platforms and workflows.
• Proven ability to act as an independent expert advisor in complex, multi-partner environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying professional judgement to influence data quality, system design, and long-term data management.
• Experience working within structured governance frameworks while providing high-level technical advice to support program decisions.
• Valid Class 5 Nova Scotia Driver’s License.

Assets

• Masters degree in a related field.
• Experience with geophysics data and/or core scanning data collection and processing.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s and competencies, in particular:

– Self-Awareness & Professionalism
- Respect & Inclusion
- Relationship Building
- Resource & Process Management
- Accountability for Performance & Results

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above.