Open Call for Applications for the OOIFB Data Systems Committee

By Amber Coogan | August 10, 2026 |

The Data Systems Committee (DSC) of the Ocean Observatories Initiative Facility Board (OOIFB) was established to help ensure timely and reliable access to high-quality U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) data. The Committee evaluates and recommends improvements to the data services, policies, and practices of the NSF OOI Facility that will lead to more efficient and effective scientific use of NSF OOI data.

The DSC is now soliciting applications to fill TWO open positions. One of these 3-year appointments will begin as of October 1, 2026, the other as of November 1, 2026. Selected individuals will be eligible to serve a second 3-year term, if fitting.

The DSC holds one web conference each month and at least one in-person meeting per year. Some objectives of the DSC include:

Keeping abreast of the current state of the NSF OOI cyberinfrastructure and data services with the goal of helping to promote maximum scientific use of NSF OOI data. These efforts will be informed by the FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship, such that data are: a) Findable, b) Accessible, c) Interoperable, and d) Reusable.
Encouraging the use of best practices, standards, and naming conventions established by the oceanographic community.
Engaging with the user community to gauge user needs in regard to NSF OOI data systems, and to facilitate the promotion of a positive user experience.
Staying current on potential new modes of data service and access, data analysis methodologies, and related technologies that facilitate the use of NSF OOI data.
Engaging with members of the NSF OOI Program regarding the priorities and plans of the NSF OOI cyberinfrastructure groups.
Making recommendations for data products, usage metrics, and improving the user experience on the OOI Data Explorer, JupyterHub environment, as well as other data service systems employed by the NSF OOI.

Scientists affiliated with U.S. institutions, with interests and/or experience using scientific observing systems such as the NSF OOI, as well as those with experience in successfully delivering data from large-scale, multi-sensor observing systems to scientific users are encouraged to apply. All applications will be considered. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and accompanying CV to Holly Morin, at the OOIFB Administrative Support Office (holly@ooifb.org), no later than September 10, 2026. The statement of interest should highlight the applicant’s experience with NSF OOI data and/or with other similar data services and products. Applicants might also include a vision for how these experiences might evolve in the future. For more information about the DSC and its activities, please visit the OOIFB website (http://ooifb.org), or contact Jim Potemra, DSC Chair (jimp@hawaii.edu).