 College of Arts and Science School of Science and Technology Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate - Software Developer (Geodata Systems for Mineral Exploration) Post No: S1287 Circa £22,020 - £24,766 per annum plus training and development package Clifton Campus and IGS Ltd at the British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham This post is fixed term for 2 years IGS Ltd is a spin-out company that provides geoscientific services to emerging and developing countries across the world with a focus in Africa. These services are aimed at improving the quality of geodata in order to attract international mineral exploration in that country. A country's ability to supply modern digital geodata such as geology, geophysical and geochemical at a national and regional scale is vital in developing its mineral sector. The company is based at the British Geological Survey, Keyworth. An exciting new opportunity has arisen for a UK/EU IT graduate with proven skills and experience in software development to develop a commercial online digital geodata system for IGS Ltd in collaboration with the School of Computing and Informatics of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), under the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The position offers a potentially lucrative opportunity to eventually, not only lead IGS's digital geodata business but also to obtain a shareholding in our company. KTP is a supporting partnership between business and universities to jointly develop innovative products/systems/processes with the objective of increasing business growth. The successful candidate will work closely with the company's directors under the technical supervision of NTU, liaising also with an international mineral exploration service company as part of a joint-venture agreement. The role requires general programming skills in terms of geodata capturing techniques with an ability to translate them into conceptual designs for implementation. The candidate will have a solid knowledge and experience of an object-oriented programming language, database-driven internet development and familiarity with XML/RDF for structured formatting of information. In terms of database management systems, the candidate must have an understanding of the software development cycle of a relational database from model conception to its development and testing along with an understanding of the dynamics of user-interaction with the database and maintenance of the developed application (Quality of Service). Other desirable attributes includes knowledge of spatial mapping techniques (remote sensing, geological maps etc.), internet-based distribution development, data-mining methods, information systems modelling, Linux OS software, GIS and semantic web engineering. The role will require you to become familiar with the role of geodata in the mineral exploration sector at an international level and the complex issues around geodata ownership and resultant IP considerations. This may involve occasional travel to some countries to assess the geodata that is available from an informatics perspective and to assist in negotiations regarding licensing agreements with geodata owners. The outcome of the project will be to develop a fully commercial system that delivers and multi-sells a combination of existing raw digital and value-added, reinterpreted geodata. You should have a good Honours degree with a relevant MSc being a definite advantage. You will need to be highly innovative and confident to explore new options and be able to motivate them to IGS Ltd and NTU. Your ability to solve problems independently will be vital. In addition, an overriding passion to conceptualise and understand the commercial imperative for this project is critical. Although there may be academic spin-offs arising from this project, the fundamental objective is the development of a commercial geodata application for international release. The post is a fixed-term contract with NTU for 24 months through the KTP. You will be supported by the University's KTP team and have the benefit of an excellent training programme including the KTP Associate Diploma in Management Programme, which is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute. Further information on KTP can be found on http://www.KTPonline.org.uk. Closing date: 20 October 2013 Interview date: 11 November 2013 To submit an online application for this position please visit www.ntu.ac.uk/vacancies If you require documentation in alternative formats (e.g. Braille, large print) please contact us at job.vacancies@ntu.ac.uk If you have any specific queries in relation to this position, please contact Dr Taha Osman, Principal Lecturer, on +44 (0)115 848 8370 Further application details are available at www.ntu.ac.uk/vacancies If you require documentation in alternative formats (e.g. Braille, large print) please contact us at job.vacancies@ntu.ac.uk Nottingham Trent University is committed to promoting equality and valuing diversity and we seek people who share those values. www.ntu.ac.uk Please note this role does not meet the UK Border Agency requirements for sponsorship. Nottingham Trent University is unable to apply for sponsorship for any applicant not eligible to work in the UK and therefore we cannot progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship under the Points Based Immigration System. |
