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Metadata Analyst

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Nov 28, 2025

Requisition Id15627

Overview:

The Environmental Sciences Division (ESD) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has an opening for a Metadata Analyst in its Earth Sciences Informatics portfolio. You will be involved with applied data management activities that support software development for scientific data projects in the Earth, climate, and environmental sciences, such as the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Data Center. Particular focus will be on metadata to assist users in discovering ARM data, including various applied data management activities that support projects in Earth Sciences Informatics at ORNL.

The position will report to the Earth Science Database Engineering and Informatics Group Leader and the ARM Metadata Lead and have daily interactions with a broader team of ARM Data Center staff and collaborators at other labs.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Utilize scientific background with meteorological, atmospheric radiation, and chemistry data (e.g., radar) to assist senior staff at the ARM Archive as needed with metadata for submitted datasets.
  • Assist in assigning metadata for field campaign, research/external, and routine data products, following specific workflows for each type of data submission. Workflows may include using internal tools, Linux commands to view data on servers, and PostgreSQL queries to create and monitor metadata creation.
  • Assign metadata keywords using information provided by data submitters via an Online Metadata Editor (OME), considering when to group or separate out terms to facilitate search and retrieval of data products.
  • Assist metadata team in auditing and correcting historic metadata, reviewing webpages and using SQL queries to review the database as needed.
  • Utilize Python skills to automate existing workflows, thereby improving efficiency and consistency within the metadata team.
  • Utilize good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, to correspond with data submitters and users as needed.
  • Additional activities will be under the direction of ARM Data Center metadata staff and will include additional metadata responsibilities as needed.
  • Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • MS in atmospheric science, information science, or related field and 1-3 years of relevant experience.
  • Familiarity with Python and SQL.
  • Able to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to evaluate alternative solutions and/or workarounds.
  • Desire to learn and adopt new tools and technologies as required by the projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience developing solutions utilizing Large Language Models.
  • Familiarity with DevOps concepts and practices of collaboration, automation and continuous improvement/continuous delivery.

Visa Sponsorship:Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
  • For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
  • Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
  • To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

  • If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
  • Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email:ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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