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- Tasks: Design and implement ontologies for data integration in scientific R&D.
- Company: Join a global life sciences organisation focused on innovative data governance.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £700-750, flexible contract role outside IR35.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming data usage and driving innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in ontology development and knowledge of semantic web technologies required.
- Other info: 18-month project with opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.
We\’re working with a global life sciences organisation seeking an experienced Ontology Specialist to join their growing data governance function. This role sits within a scientific R&D division and focuses on designing and implementing ontologies and taxonomies that support cross-functional data integration and high-quality data usage across research and development teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain ontologies and taxonomies to enable integrated data usage across scientific and technical teams.
- Translate complex scientific concepts into structured data formats to support data models, knowledge graphs, and Real Time analytics.
- Promote data interoperability standards (eg RDF, OWL, SKOS, SHACL) across internal teams and external collaborations.
- Apply tools such as Protégé, Neo4j, GitHub, and Progress Semaphore to build and manage ontologies, controlled vocabularies, and taxonomies.
- Ensure data quality and consistency through validation rules and structured governance processes.
- Support end-user training and adoption of ontology-based tools and frameworks.
- Stay current with emerging trends in knowledge management, LLM integration, and semantic data technologies.
- Contribute to the ongoing evolution of the ontology strategy and support cross-team alignment around enterprise data models.
Ideal Candidate
- Proven experience in ontology development, taxonomy curation, or semantic data modelling in a scientific or technical environment.
- Strong knowledge of semantic web technologies and standards (RDF, OWL, SHACL, SKOS).
- Familiar with tools such as Protégé, Progress Semaphore, Neo4j, GitHub, and data catalogues like Collibra.
- Experience supporting knowledge graphs and driving integration between scientific and technical domains.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills across both technical and scientific audiences.
- Comfortable working independently and adapting to new technologies and automation tools.
This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in data governance and knowledge integration at scale. You\’ll be instrumental in helping a global organisation unlock the full value of its data assets across R&D.
- This is a contract role outside IR35
- Paying £700-750
- 18 months project
Ontology Specialist (Contract) employer: Careerwise
Contact Detail:
Careerwise Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ontology Specialist (Contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools mentioned in the job description, such as Protégé and Neo4j. Consider creating a small project or case study using these tools to demonstrate your hands-on experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in semantic web technologies and data governance. Follow relevant blogs, attend webinars, or join online communities to engage with professionals in the field, which can help you network and gain insights.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in ontology development and how you've successfully implemented taxonomies in past roles. Be ready to provide examples of how your work has improved data integration and quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice articulating complex scientific concepts in simple terms. This will be crucial when communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, showcasing your ability to bridge the gap between different audiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Ontology Specialist (Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in ontology development and semantic data modelling. Use specific examples that demonstrate your familiarity with tools like Protégé, Neo4j, and GitHub.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about data governance and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Ontology Specialist role. Mention your experience with RDF, OWL, and other relevant standards.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to engage with both technical and scientific audiences effectively.
Highlight Continuous Learning: Mention any recent training or courses you've taken related to knowledge management or semantic technologies. This shows your commitment to staying current with industry trends.
How to prepare for a job interview at Careerwise
✨Showcase Your Ontology Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in ontology development and taxonomy curation. Highlight specific projects where you successfully implemented ontologies and how they contributed to data integration within scientific or technical environments.
✨Familiarity with Tools is Key
Make sure you can talk confidently about the tools mentioned in the job description, such as Protégé, Neo4j, and GitHub. If possible, share examples of how you've used these tools to build and manage ontologies or controlled vocabularies.
✨Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. Be ready to demonstrate how you've engaged with both technical and scientific audiences in the past.
✨Stay Updated on Trends
Research current trends in knowledge management and semantic data technologies. Being able to discuss emerging trends and how they could impact the role will show your enthusiasm and commitment to staying at the forefront of the field.