Research Data Management Officer (Liverpool)

PRIME OBJECTIVE

To assist the University’s research community in the creation, preservation and discovery of metadata relating to their research data, and to provide second-line support for RDM enquiries, under the guidance of the Research Data Manager.

DUTIES 

It is highly likely that the specific technical systems used to support research data management will change over time; however, the nature of the post will remain the same.

Working closely with the Research Support Lead and the Research Data Manager, and liaising closely with other Professional Services Departments and Academic Schools as appropriate, you will:

• take responsibility for technical queries relating to the research data management systems and provide guidance to users, liaising with relevant specialists where necessary

• provision active storage to research projects using University developed tools to assign rights

• assist with integration of various software platforms (these will be Microsoft or Linux based) with the RDM Storage platform

• meet with researchers to determine RDM storage and software requirements and provide guidance on best practice and costs

• work with the Research Data Manager to advocate the need for high quality research data metadata amongst the University’s research community

• develop procedures and standards for the creation of research data metadata, including the creation of relevant training materials

• develop training and assistance for researchers to assist with the deposit of research data and the creation of associated metadata

• assist researchers with the metadata aspect of data management plans, including obtaining costs for their data management requirements of project bids

• work with the Research Data Manager and others to harvest existing research data metadata and make it discoverable through the Data Catalogue

• take responsibility for establishing and maintaining Digital Object Identifiers for research datasets via DataCite, including ensuring compliance with DataCite minimum metadata requirements
• maintain awareness of RDM practices, such as the range of formats and software packages in use, and share this knowledge amongst Library and other Professional Services staff

• maintain current awareness of, and provide guidance on, technical support issues as they pertain to RDM more generally

• advise the University on suitable approaches to the preservation of digital records

• contribute to the administration and support of a central research storage platform (including primary storage, back-up storage, and the archival layer)

• take responsibility for integrating technical systems where appropriate (e.g. systems such as the Active Directory, and the Research Data Archival Storage)

• attend and contribute to external working groups as appropriate

• participate in Library and team meetings and activities, including contributing to or leading cross-Library project teams, as required

• maintain growth in personal and professional skills and knowledge, exploring best practice in HE and related sectors nationally and internationally, building and maintaining beneficial partnerships with external agencies and comparator institutions

• perform other duties as may reasonably be required

Manual Handling

The post involves bending, stretching and the manual handling of loads up to 15kg. A system to control the risks is in place. Appointment will be subject to Occupational Health screening.

Research Data Manager (Liverpool)

PRIME OBJECTIVE

To lead the Library’s support for Research Data Management (RDM), under the guidance of the Research Support Lead, ensuring that services align with and are responsive to the university’s strategic aims

DUTIES

It is highly likely that the specific technical systems used to support research data management will change over time; however, the principal nature of the post’s duties will remain the same.

Working closely with the Research Support Lead and the Academic Liaison Librarians, and liaising closely with other Professional Services Departments and Academic Schools as appropriate, you will:

• have primary responsibility for engaging with researchers and the research leads in Schools/Institutes to provide support in adopting good RDM practice and to gather training and advice requirements

• lead and co-ordinate the provision of RDM training and advice across a range of staff in Professional Services, including Library, Computing Services Division and Research Policy

• oversee support for process and governance requirements for RDM, including monitoring compliance against University policy and research funder requirements, with a specific focus in the first instance on compliance with the Engineering and Physical Research Council data management requirements

• provide advice and guidance to the Research Support Lead and the University on RDM policies which will meet research assessment requirements

• represent the Library at external events and meetings to raise the profile of the Library service through professional activities locally, nationally and internationally

• work closely with Liaison Librarians to ensure a coordinated approach to the Library’s support for RDM initiatives

• maintain current awareness of, and provide guidance on, licensing, intellectual property rights and other related issues as they pertain to RDM more generally

• maintain current awareness of, and provide guidance on, technological and other developments that may assist the delivery of the University’s RDM goals

• participate in Library and team meetings and activities, including contributing to or leading cross-Library project teams, as required

• deputise for the Research Support Lead as appropriate

• perform other duties as may reasonably be required

Manual Handling

The post involves bending, stretching and the manual handling of loads up to 15kg. A system to control the risks is in place. Appointment will be subject to Occupational Health screening.

Research Metadata Specialist (Sheffield)

Grade 6 £24,775- £28,695 per annum

The Research Metadata Specialist post is a University-wide post to assist the University and its researchers in the creation, preservation and discovery of metadata relating to their research data. Based in MDS, the post reports to the Resource Discovery Manager.

You will work closely with the University Research Data Manager and the Library Metadata Manager to establish procedures and standards for research metadata and to advocate their adoption within the University. You will provide training and assistance in their implementation. You will coordinate the collection and dissemination of such metadata to enable a registry of University research data (RD) to be produced. You will liaise with colleagues within the University and Library, and with peers at other institutions in the region and beyond, to help develop emerging standards and best practice in the RD metadata area.

You will be familiar with the research landscape and the data outputs produced, and the requirements of research funders for making these outputs discoverable.You should have a first degree or postgraduate qualification in research-based subject discipline, together with relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant knowledge, training and experience. Familiarity with the research data lifecycle, together with knowledge of issues and challenges related to the management, curation and archiving of research data is essential.

Research Data Management Officer (Glasgow)

Job Purpose

Work as part of the Research Data Management support team, providing a range of tools and services for researchers with particular emphasis on support for Data Planning, Storage and Management and Database Technologies. The services will include processes and systems for managing, storing, and providing access to research datasets.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide the main focus for technical and storage support for Research Data Management within the University and develop good working relationships with colleagues in IT Services to specify the technical infrastructure required to deliver robust and capable research storage solutions that meet the needs of researchers and research funders.
2. Facilitate the provision of storage for collaboration of research data during projects (active), with due regard to confidentiality and security requirements and the provision of long-term storage (archival) for the final copies of datasets where there is no specific store specified from the funder and the researcher has not found a suitable subject repository; Investigate and pilot medium (active) and long-term (archival) storage options including cloud and in-house solutions.
3. Explore the streamlining of Data Management Planning (DMP) as part of the research process, such that central data storage requirements can be forecast and resourced using estimates from the information in individual DMPs.
4. Lead the technical investigation and pilot of electronic lab notebook software.
5. Enhance and develop an existing EPrints based Data Registry (DR) as part of an efficient and user friendly environment for research data archival management and to ensure that its processes deliver the same level of service as the Enlighten Research Outputs Repository; deliver the necessary integration between the Enlighten Publications material and the Data Registry for the supporting datasets, contributing to a broad-based service on the already established Enlighten ‘brand’.
6. Develop seamless processes to link the Data Registry (DR) with the long-term (archival) data storage solution(s) identified as during the data storage pilot.
7. Work collaboratively with the other members of the team and colleagues in IT and other services, the Colleges and the Library, to develop and deliver training courses and web-based material for Researchers and Research Administrators.
8. Gather intelligence on technical and storage RDM developments across the sector and coordinate activity to engage and represent the University in relevant national and international activities, such as the Digital Curation Centre national data registry work.
9. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Glasgow 2020 – A Global Vision

Research Information Analyst (Leeds)

You will report to the Head of Performance, Governance & Operations, but work with a high degree of independence to provide high-level expertise to the University on the use of bibliometrics and other research performance indicators in the external and internal evaluation and benchmarking of the quality of the University’s research, in support of the University’s research and innovation strategy.

You will be expected to establish and deliver upon senior management requirements in the area of bibliometric analyses, as well as undertake training of others both in use of the analytical tool (Elsevier SciVal) and in the interpretation of its outputs.

The post forms part of the Performance & Governance Team which has responsibility for research ethics and governance and for research and innovation performance and assessment including the Research Excellence Framework (REF), benchmarking of performance and providing strategic support to senior research and innovation management. You will be required to work closely with other members of the Research & Innovation Service and the University of Leeds Library to achieve the objectives of this role.

The Research and Innovation Service provides central support to research and innovation activities across the University, working in partnership with Faculty-based Research and Innovation Offices. The Performance, Governance & Operations team supports the monitoring and development of academic performance, the governance structure for Research and Innovation and provides support to the operational functions of RIS. It comprises three teams: Performance and Governance, Operations and Administrative Support.

Responsible to: Head of Performance, Governance & Operations
Reports to: Head of Performance, Governance & Operations

Main duties and responsibilities

• To ensure that the University fully exploits the use of bibliometrics in the external and internal evaluation of the quality of the University’s research, using the Elsevier SciVal system.
• To work with Elsevier to ensure that the University achieves maximum value from its investment in the SciVal system.
• To conduct bibliometric and related modelling exercises at University, Faculty, School, Research Group and individual researcher levels, to seek and identify trends and opportunities in research performance data.
• To produce, analyse and evaluate indicators to benchmark research performance from the level of individuals through to organisational units within institutions, whole institutions, institutional partnerships (WUN / N8 / White Rose) and entire countries.
• To provide analysis, information and evidence to support research funding applications and strategic investments, working with leading academic researchers and professional support colleagues to ensure reporting and data is effective, accurate and relevant.
• To use bibliometrics to identify emerging research interests to inform decisions across the University and to provide evidence for proactive positioning for future excellence, impact and success.
• To bring data and associated commentary, advice and recommendations to University senior decision-makers, including Research & Innovation Board.
• To prepare reports that will guide decision-making by the University’s Senior Leadership Team.
• To promote an understanding of bibliometrics and their role in research evaluation, and to support and provide appropriate training to administrative and academic colleagues including those in the Research & Innovation

Service and the Library

• To provide support for enquiries relating to research performance, the SciVal system and bibliometrics from other users.
• To work in partnership with academics and also with Professional Services colleagues to develop a highly relevant service. To demonstrate a strong user focus and customer service ethos and a proactive and agile approach to service provision.
• To maintain and develop an in-depth understanding of bibliometrics and other indicators of research output, performance and impact such as webometrics and altmetrics, and to represent the University in national and international research activities in relation to bibliometrics and related methods, for example the Snowball project. Through such projects, raise the profile of Leeds as an institution of best practice.
• Provide expertise and advice on national and research funders’ policies with regard to the use of bibliometrics as a measurement of research quality, and to analyse methodologies and approaches to citation measurement in key national and international University League tables.

Essential

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent by experience
• In-depth understanding of bibliometrics and related areas such as webometrics and altmetrics
• Deep experience in research performance analysis and benchmarking
• Excellent skills in data management, analysis and modelling
• In-depth understanding of the academic research process
• Understanding of HE and knowledge of key developments in research policy
• Experience of report writing, including graphical presentation of data analysis
• Advanced skills in the use of MS Office applications
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills with demonstrable ability to liaise effectively and with credibility with staff at all levels, and to articulately express complex ideas and analysis
• Pro-active, working on own initiative with resilience to ensure delivery of outputs to strict deadlines, maintaining accuracy under pressure
• Excellent presentation skills
• Ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality
• An innovative approach to your work, displaying a versatile, adaptable and enthusiastic attitude.

Desirable

• Experience of designing and delivering training courses and materials on a one to one and group basis
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of information architectures and
• data structures and of current trends in library technologies and e-publishing
• Experience working as a professional librarian
• Experience of the Elsevier SciVal system

Research Data Support Manager (Imperial)

Responsible to     Team Leader Education and Research Support 

Key Working          All Library teams, College stakeholders including ICT,

Relationships        Research Office, Graduate School; external stakeholders e.g. DCC, Jisc

Hours                      Normally not less than 35 hours per week

The purpose of the post

This is a new 2 year fixed term post to establish, promote and manage a pilot research data management service.  Under the direction of the Team Leader Education and Research Support the Research Data Support Manager will determine existing academic behaviour in relation to data management and investigate researchers’ support needs.

Building on this work the post-holder will shape and develop a service incorporating all aspects of research data management to include its organisation, description, preservation, and discoverability, as well the provision of training and awareness support.

The post-holder will work closely with other Library teams and in partnership with other stakeholders including the Research Office and ICT to ensure a cohesive and researcher centric service is provided.

 

Key responsibilities

1. To be the project manager and key contact within the Library for the research data management service as it evolves, coordinating development and support across the relevant teams.
2. To collect and analyse requirements to provide the scope for a research data management (RDM) service which will involve exploring the current data management practices of academic and postdoctoral research staff and postgraduate research students across College
3. To deliver the Library’s element of the College’s overarching RDM service
4. To create advice and guidance for researchers on data management planning and best practice in RDM
5. To contribute to developing procedures and workflows using metadata models to enhance the discoverability and preservation of data, and other digital assets.
6. To design, develop, deliver and maintain research data management training and awareness raising activities in conjunction with Library teams
7. To identify and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders in order to develop research data management infrastructure and working practices
8. To contribute to and participate in research data management awareness events and programmes within College and across the sector.
9. To provide regular progress reports to the College’s Research Data Management Group
10. To work closely with Library colleagues to share knowledge and best practice
11. To pursue an active programme of self-development within the field.

PERSON SPECIFICATION: Research Data Support Manager. 

Applicants are required to demonstrate that they possess the following attributes:

These are the 7 principles that Imperial leaders, managers and supervisors are expected to follow:

1. Champion a positive approach to change and opportunity
2. Communicate regularly and effectively within, and across, teams
3. Consider the thoughts and expectations of others
4. Deliver positive outcomes
5. Encourage inclusive participation and eliminate discrimination
6. Support and develop staff to optimise talent
7. Work in a planned and managed way

Education and Qualifications

Essential:

1. Education to degree level, or equivalent qualifications or experience

 

Desirable:

1. A formal project management qualification such as PRINCE2

Competencies, Skills and Abilities

Essential:

1. Experience of implementing research data management systems and/or research output databases
2. Experience of continuing service development, including the creation of policies, procedures and workflows
3. Demonstrable knowledge of research data management and the research lifecycle
4. Experience of engaging proactively with academics and researchers
5. Strong project management skills including a track record of stakeholder relationship management and requirements gathering
6. Compelling influencing and negotiating  skills
7. Excellent problem solving and decision making skills
8. Excellent oral and written communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
9. Demonstrable experience in successful communication of complex technical concepts to a range of audiences, using a number of appropriate methods
10. A high degree of computer literacy and confidence in dealing with IT colleagues in scoping technical solutions
11. Ability to prioritise and schedule workloads in the face of conflicting demands
12. Good team player, flexible and co-operative, coupled with high level of personal responsibility and initiative
13. Proven use of initiative and high degree of personal responsibility

Desirable:

1. Experience in working with academic publishers

Knowledge

Essential: 

1. Familiarity of funders research data management policies and requirements
2. Knowledge of DCC guidelines and best practice within the sector
3. An understanding of the technical principles underlying the different stages of RDM workflow.
4. Familiarity with metadata standards and schemas currently available e.g. Dublin Core, PREMIS, XML etc.

Research Data and Information Management – Business Change Manager

The Research Data and Information Management programme is a strategic programme to meet the needs of researchers and professional services staff, and Research Council’s requirements regarding the management, storage, sharing and utilisation of research data and information.

These appointments have arisen to help develop policies, procedures, set standards, deliver change, develop and deliver training and support related to the management of research data and information.

You will be responsible for identifying, planning and delivering a set of interdependent activities designed to bring about a sustainable business change that will contribute to the successful delivery of outcomes and objectives defined in the business case for a specified university wide programme or business initiative.

You will be responsible for the implementation of changes to meet UK Research Councils, particularly EPSRC requirements, including a publically searchable metadata catalogue.

Working with colleagues, you will also be responsible for the smooth implementation, take up and use of a research information system.

You will be expected to take responsibility for the readiness of all stakeholders and business activities required to integrate new processes into the business as usual environment.

In order to achieve this you will be expected to:

• Define and communicate the vision for change to stakeholders across the University, leading them through the interpretation of and planning for the change in their own context.
• Plan and direct initiatives to embed new processes into local business as usual environments while ensuring sustained alignment with the outcome and objectives of the programme.
• Plan, direct and manage communications and training for all stakeholders while making effective use of available resources.

Both posts are full-time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for 2 years

Salary:  £38,522 – £44,607 per annum (Grade 7)

Open Access and Research Publications Advisor (Birmingham)

Full Time

Grade: 7

Salary: Starting salary is normally in the range £27,854 to £36,298. With potential progression once in post to £38,522 a year.

This is a Library Services post. Library Services, a division of Academic Services, supports the information resources and services needs of staff and students undertaking high quality research, learning and teaching at the University. 

Job Purpose

The University and its research funders recognise the benefits that Open Access (OA) can bring for research, and OA is likely to remain high on the political agenda for the coming years. This postholder provides essential expert support to academic researchers, their directors and administrators to help them navigate through an increasingly complex range of options for publishing and promoting research work. The postholder plays a critical role in understanding and promoting OA and in raising awareness within the University of issues and changes affecting the research publishing environment. Internally, the University is developing a research information system and web portal to showcase research activity and through which so-called “green” OA is provided. Externally, Library Services staff members are closely engaged in changing the academic publishing environment through developments in “gold” OA and other alternative models of publishing.

The postholder will co-ordinate support for the University’s drive towards Open Access and wide dissemination of its research publications and other outputs. Activities include advocacy for OA, providing guidance to researchers on the fast-changing options available to meet the policy requirements of research funders, providing guidance on copyright matters related to OA, overseeing the administration of University budgets for “gold” publishing, and providing practical support for users of the institutional repository. He or she will also play a key role in projects that may affect the development of OA and supporting services.
The postholder will provide advice to Colleges and to senior colleagues on the impact of developments in the OA publishing environment. The postholder will guide improvements in the functionality of the institutional repository for “green” OA and will be involved in developing and implementing policies and workflows relating to the repository. The postholder will work closely with the academic community, with Colleagues in Library Services, and with the Digital Library Team. He or she will establish and maintain close links with internal and external stakeholders concerned with the dissemination and impact of research, publishing, the wider OA movement, and digital repositories.

Person Specification

Essential 
– Education to degree level
– In-depth understanding of the scholarly communications process, publishing and Open Access policy
– Significant experience in a customer-facing role in at least one of the following areas:
-supporting repositories, library management systems and filestores
-research administration and supporting research information systems
-academic publishing
– Familiarity with metadata schemas and standards used in repositories and research information systems
– Familiarity with the IPR and licensing issues surrounding research, Open Access and self-archiving
– Experience of using a broad range of resource discovery tools, including bibliographic databases and catalogues, search engines and specialised repository search tools.
– Excellent written and oral communication skills and presentation skills
– Ability to explain complex systems and processes clearly, and outline options
– Methodical record-keeping
– Negotiating and influencing skills
– Proficient use of standard ‘office’ software and familiarity with Adobe PDF Professional and file format options
– Ability to work in a team environment and with colleagues from a range of different professional backgrounds
– Ability to tailor information to different audiences (both technical and non technical)
– Approachability, diplomacy and confidence in dealing with a wide range of University staff, including tact and assertiveness as appropriate
– Good organisational skills, flexibility to work independently or within a team context as required, and a customer-focused approach to the delivery of a high quality support service.
– Ability to prioritise or schedule work in the face of conflicting demands
– Ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff at all levels within the University and with external project partners

Desirable 
– Professional or postgraduate qualification in library or information related work
– Knowledge of academic publishing and the digital information environment
– Experience of developing and supporting a repository or research information system
– Experience of supporting IPR matters in relation to academic publishing or open resources
– Experience of creating metadata or using standards-based metadata for information exchange
– Experience of handling APCs
– Mentoring and training skills
– Project management skills
– Experience of generating and interpreting bibliometric data
– Familiarity with Mac formats, LaTex and xml
– Proven experience of training and support, with a diverse range of participants (academics, researchers, HEI library and administrative staff), including running workshops and seminars

Research Data Manager (Durham)

Research Data Manager

Location Durham City
Faculty/Division Registrar’s Division
Department Library
Grade Grade 7
Position Type Full Time
Contract Type Fixed Term
Salary (£) 30424 – 36298

Job Description

In recent years there has been a growing recognition of the value of data accumulated during the research process. Typically researchers will analyse data and produce findings for publication, but the same data might also be of value to other researchers within and beyond the university community. Extracting the maximum value from the data which have been gathered is increasingly seen as a priority by funding bodies.

The University wishes to appoint a Research Data Manager to create a step change in the management of research data within the organisation. Based in the University Library, but working in close collaboration with colleagues in Research Office and CIS, the Research Data Manager will develop a strategic approach to the establishment of the University’s RDM support infrastructure, developing research data management at all stages of the research process.

Research data can be held in digital form, but is by no means limited to digital media. As well as paper records, samples of materials, archaeological artefacts and many other forms of data must be managed, recorded and curated. The post holder will therefore draw on the expertise of colleagues in the Library and Museums such as archivists and curators, as well as those already working with digital repository systems such as Durham Research Online. As a focus for data management activities within the Library the post holder should seek to co-ordinate and mobilise existing staff to offer a complete package of services to the research community.

The post clearly includes a large developmental element. The University is seeking for this role an individual with a strong practitioner background in research, computing and data management and curation with a clear awareness of strategic implications in this area.

At a practical level, it is envisaged that the post holder will undertake a review of potential systems for recording metadata relating to research data, working with CIS and Research Office colleagues to produce a specification and architecture for the curation and medium-term preservation of research data. An important aspect of data management is regulating the wider dissemination taking into account the legal constraints and funding council obligations on the re-use of data.

The post holder will produce guidance targeted towards academic and research staff to assist them with data management plans and similar elements of funding applications. Promotional and awareness-raising work with academic staff and research students to ensure compliance with funder & legal obligations will form part of the role, together with providing expert advice and solutions to ensure best practice and the effective management of – and accessibility to – the University’s research data outputs.

Requirements

• Experience, or understanding, of working in research at university level.

• High level of experience of IT systems implementation and systems integration.

• Knowledge of repository systems.

• Understanding of digital curation, format obsolescence, and how this applies to research data.

• Familiarity with entire research data life cycle plus knowledge of issues/technical challenges related to management, curation and archiving of digital data

• Knowledge of Data Protection, Freedom of Information, intellectual property and the wider legal environment.

• Experience in developing and delivering information, research or data management programmes in HEI context

• Experience working with cross-functional and diverse teams in distributed locations

• Demonstrate ability to work effectively in collaboration with a range of stakeholders in complex environment

• Researches available systems for management of research data, and assesses their suitability for integrating into Durham’s wider IT systems environment.

• Providing accurate, up to date, planning and costing of data management in advance of research starting, e.g. for inclusion in a data management plan or in preparation for a funding application

• Gathers and analyses relevant and available information from as many sources as possible to inform service development and delivery

• To develop benefits analysis for research data management. To network with other institutions undertaking similar work and proactively engage to ensure that opportunities for partnership/collaboration are realised

• Ability to understand and convey information that needs careful interpretation (e.g. policies, regulations).

• Promote awareness of research data obligations and possibilities among the academic community.

• Promote awareness of the developing services to assist researchers with data management.

• Provide advice to senior University managers to develop, interpret and implement policy

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations, communicating with staff at all levels in the organisation

• Monitor the reactions of others and take appropriate steps to remedy any miscommunications

• Seeks alternative solutions to systems problems

• Ability to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer term implications

• Ability to work independently and with initiative, set priorities, schedule and balance the demands of complex working environment

• Proactive approach to identification of opportunities for developing new approaches and service enhancements to encourage participation within the University

• Ability to enthuse and motivate others, facilitating positive change with commitment to on-going development of skills and knowledge for self and others

• Constantly looking at ways of building alliances and relationships

• Actively seeks information to support planning and prioritisation of work.

• Checks and reports on progress and achievement against plans to key parties.

• Develops plans to take account of problems, delays and new priorities.

• Maintains a wider awareness of University plans and priorities and anticipates their impact on the areas of responsibility.

• Planning, organisational, analytical and project management skills

• Any other duties appropriate to the grading of the post

Responsibilities

• Undertake “proof of concept” or pilots of services or tools to facilitate the management, preservation, re-use and dissemination of research data in a number of representative data domains.

• In conjunction with colleagues in Computing and Information Services (CIS), the Research Office and other relevant partners, make recommendations on the choice of systems to support research data management, and undertake systems procurement if required.
• Provide consultation services to the research community to implement strategies for the management and curation of both digital and/or print based research data throughout the project lifecycle
• As systems are implemented, provide training for Library and Research Office staff to take on day-to-day curation and metadata work.
• Sustain activities to raise awareness of RDM across the University – e.g., advising and training researchers, PGs and post-doctoral students and research administrators in writing data management plans,
• Co-ordinate governance for RDM and oversee implementation of the University’s new OA data policy, including project managing specific actions within it
• Contribute to wider RDM strategic development – monitoring appropriate national policies/frameworks and co-ordinate University’s response.
• Work with the Repository Manager to manage the development of the infrastructure and software supporting the institutional repository, Durham Research Online – http://dro.dur.ac.uk/
• To identify a methodology or continuous framework for stewarding born digital archives and redefining workflows whether internal university archives or those of external stakeholders which we might be offered

Person Specification

Essential criteria

• Good Honours degree (2:i or higher) in any subject and a postgraduate Librarianship and/or Information Science qualification or a good Honours degree in Librarianship and/or Information Science
OR
Specific professional qualification in Computing or equivalent experience in computing, research or information management
• Awareness of research support agenda – in particular developments in Open Access publishing and research data curation
• Sound knowledge of research data and information management frameworks and their implementation as well as the broader research environment, systems for support of research and issues associated with research data in a UK University
• Excellent IT skills and awareness of how technology can be used to support learning, teaching and research
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with senior staff, academics and researchers of the University, and to broker relationships with stakeholders at all levels demonstrating the sensitivities required to balance and resolve tensions in working with a wide range of contacts
• Ability to communicate at all levels, with both technical and non-technical audiences, to simplify complex issues and concepts through both excellent written/verbal communication skills, plus presentation and advocacy skills
• Awareness of key developments in the HE library and information science sector
• Project management experience, with the ability to successfully lead and manage complex projects through to completion and to contribute directly to delivery of desired outcomes while proactively managing project issues, and risks.
• Excellent interpersonal and project management skills
• Willingness to adhere to and support the Library values
• Commitment to observing the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy at all times

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working with research information systems or research data management systems and frameworks gained through experience in a research intensive UK University
• Experience of initiating, leading and managing IT enabled change processes in the context of Higher Education
• Experience of change management
• Creative approach to problem solving
• Ability to establish and communicate vision
• Knowledge of copyright and other relevant aspects of the legal framework in which HE libraries operate
• Awareness of key developments in the HE library and information science sector
• Significant experience of Higher Education and its strategic environment
• Substantial library experience (including digital service delivery)
• Staff management and supervisory skills where relevant

Additional Information & Interview Date

Duration: This post is a Fixed Term contract for 3 years.

Responsible to: Head of Digital and Bibliographic Services

Hours: The postholder is required to work 35 hours per week. Typically, this will be Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00, but occasional evening and weekend working may be required in line with the needs of the service.

Key relationships will include:

• Research Office personnel, to understand funding council requirements and to embed research data planning in the grant application process.
• Library senior management, to agree methods and policies for curation of data and access thereto.
• Library Academic Support team (in particular the Research Support Librarian) and Library Web Developer
• CIS Senior Management (research support)
• CIS information services and servers teams, for systems implementation
• Faculty Research committee(s) and Faculty Research Administrators
• Individual researchers (P.I.s), PGs and post-doctoral students
• University Senior Management
• The wider research data and open access community

Research Data Service Manager (Bristol)

1.1      Main Job Purpose

To provide strategic direction, leadership and planning expertise to establish a pilot research data service for the University of Bristol.  The post holder will be responsible for the development of policies, procedures, activities and performance of this new strategically important service and to ensure consistency with the vision and strategy of the Library, IT Services and the wider University.

1.2      Statement of Responsibilities

Analysis and Reporting Oversee the day to day running of the service including developing, monitoring and revising University policies on research data planning and management and to ensure this aligns to the wider Open Access policy agenda. Develop and maintain a sustainable costing model to allow for the expansion of research data management support across the University taking advantage of the resources and services that are already established. Produce and deliver written and verbal reports to senior management levels within the University. Customer/Service Support Accountability for the University’s research data publication process to safeguard against breaches of security such as release of disclosive information or commercially sensitive data. Develop detailed requirements and service levels for the pilot. Planning and Organising Use specialist, professional technical and subject knowledge to shape the strategic development of the University’s pilot research data service. Identify and pursue funding and partnership opportunities to expand the service beyond the pilot stage. Contribute to the Library Services senior management team and strategic development of the Library’s research support services. Liaison Use influencing and negotiating skills with staff at all levels and particularly with senior management, to ensure delivery of the desired business benefits of research data management and to manage expectations and demands of the service from faculties and professional services departments. Act as an advocate and be the primary advisor on research data management issues across the University and to undertake advocacy and liaison with funders and external lobby groups in partnership with the relevant relationship manager. Build collaborative relationships across the University and with external partners to embed research data planning and management practices effectively and to ensure a sustainable cross-service matrix for effective service delivery. Represent the Library and University of Bristol in external committees and forums where appropriate. Decision Making Develop and provide guidance on appropriate professional standards for research data management issues within and outside of the University. Develop KPIs to ensure targets and goals for the service are met within budgetary and other resource constraints. Problem Solving Resolve problems which may arise at central, faculty or school levels in connection with the delivery of research data management services and any related processes. Continuous Improvement Analyse process performance data, including service user feedback, and make changes and improvements where necessary. People Management Line management of research data service staff: including recruitment, resource planning, evaluation, staff skills and personal development.

 

2        PERSON SPECIFICATION
2.1      Relevant Experience, Skills and Knowledge
Essential	Desirable
Proven experience of planning, establishing and managing a large-scale service within an academic environment Ability to manage cross-functional teams and projects Experience of collaborative and cross-disciplinary working with librarians, IT Staff and the research community in supporting research Experience of working with and influencing senior management Managing and controlling resources and a good understanding of financial management procedures Understanding of the higher education environment and how research data management activity fits with wider aspects of the research lifecycle and external policy contexts Ability to meet deadlines and work within resource constraints Strong analytical, problem solving and decision making skills	Understanding of regulations and legislation relating to research data management and associated functions
2.2      Relevant Qualifications
Essential	Desirable
Postgraduate qualification in Information and Library Management or equivalent higher degree and relevant experience
2.3      Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Essential	Desirable
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, including an ability to work in partnership with professional and academic colleagues Strong interpersonal skills including motivational negotiating, influencing and relationship building Ability to explain complex information clearly to a wide variety of recipients Proven people and/or change management skills Demonstrable matrix-working skills
2.4      Additional Criteria
Essential	Desirable
Ability and willingness to undertake some travel for work