Deputy Data Librarian

Posted to IASSIST on: 2017-11-29

Employer: The University of Edinburgh, EDINA and Data Library

Employer URL: https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/about/organisation/edl

Description

EDINA and Data Library is a centre of digital expertise for UK Higher Education. Our contributions at the University of Edinburgh are through the digital research services of Information Services, in particular the Research Data Service. We are seeking an experienced, expert data professional to deliver data management and curation services to researchers across the University, and to help build and raise awareness of new service components such as our forthcoming Data Safe Haven.

You will be a library or data professional with substantial academic service experience looking to apply your knowledge in an established academic data service environment. You will wish to apply your data curation and advocacy skills in a large and varied leading research institution, working with members of a virtual team across IT and Library domains.

The Research Data Support section (also known as the Data Library), comprises a small team which has been integral to the University’s strong international reputation as a leader in Research Data Management (RDM). The Deputy Data Librarian is an integral role in the development and delivery of the Research Data Service, delivered by EDINA and Data Library together with other divisions of Information Services.

The Research Data Support section has developed world-class training in research data management, including Research Data MANTRA. The team delivers data curation and data support services for University researchers, including the Finding Data portal and the Edinburgh DataShare repository, as well as contributes to newer innovative developments in long-term data retention and secure access to sensitive data.

You will join the Research Data Service as a senior member of a talented, broad-based team, contributing strategic and operational leadership. Advantages of working at the University include generous benefits and holiday provision.

You must be a university postgraduate with significant relevant experience in providing services, preferably data services, in a University environment; postgraduate qualifications in library/information science or other relevant field highly desirable. Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and computer/Internet literacy required. Demonstrated ability to design and deliver successful user services or projects.

There are a number of knowledge domains that you must be comfortable operating within: web content management systems, repository platforms, open access, metadata standards, research areas using quantitative methods and data science techniques, digital curation and preservation, grant writing and project management, and the ITIL service framework, data security standards such as ISO 27001, data protection legislation and information governance frameworks.

Qualifications/Training

Essential

• University postgraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant field.

Desirable

• Library/information science postgraduate degree (or equivalent qualification).
• Data-related training.
• Digital curation-related training.
• Information governance or ‘safe researcher’ training.

Experience

Essential

• Considerable experience in providing services in a university environment.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver successful user services or projects, including setting policy.
• Experience of customer service or quality assurance.
• Some experience of analysis or manipulation of research data or engaging in digital scholarship.

Desirable

• Substantial experience in provision of data-related services.
• Experience in gathering and documenting user requirements.
• Experience in successfully bidding for external funding.
• Experience managing a complex project to completion, or of direct line management or student supervision.
• Experience reporting to stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Essential

• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, including persuasive presentations and ‘writing for the web’.
• Ability to manage relationships effectively.
• Knowledge of the generation and use of research data in multiple disciplines.
• Expertise in digital curation and preservation methods, including repository systems and metadata standards.
• Understanding of how research data management fits in with broader scholarly communication trends, such as open access.
• Computer skills including some use of command line, such as in statistical programming or working on a server.
• Competent use of social media for service promotion purposes (blogs, twitter, etc.).

Desirable

• Use of Web content management systems (such as Drupal, Wordpress).
• Familiarity with the ITIL service framework.
• Familiarity with data security standards such as ISO 27001.
• Awareness of data protection legislation and information governance frameworks.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Strong service orientation.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Sound judgment in prioritising user and stakeholder needs in response to work pressures.
• Creative collaborator.

Desirable

• Enthusiasm for the academic pursuit; improving the wider scholarly/scientific record.
• Desire to enhance the organisation’s reputation through one’s work.

Archived on: 2018-01-16