Data Services Specialist

Description

Purdue Libraries seeks a highly motivated and intellectually curious individual to provide leadership for Purdue Libraries Data Services.  At Purdue, we are redefining the role of librarians within the learning, discovery, and engagement initiatives of the University, through involvement in information literacy instruction, scholarly communication, e-science, data management, and global outreach.  Purdue Libraries has been a leader in research in data curation, as well as in developing tools, systems and services for data management planning, most notably the Data Curation Profiles. With the creation of the Purdue University Research Repository (PURR) research.hub.purdue.edu in 2010, Purdue expanded data services to include data management planning, publishing and dissemination. The Libraries’ leadership working with DataCite has resulted in publishing data sets with DOIs in PURR.  Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research, the Data Services Specialist has a tenure track faculty appointment and works closely with the PURR Digital Data Repository Specialist to lead data service efforts at Purdue. This position provides a unique opportunity to engage in leading edge work in data management and curation.

Responsibilities: The Data Services Specialist will work with faculty and staff to integrate data services throughout the Libraries.   The Data Services Specialist will work centrally to design, develop and implement resources, tools, and systems.   S/he will assess Libraries faculty and staff needs for professional development and training in this area; advise in the use of effective data management tools and activities; collaborate with campus partners in support of data services; monitor and research new data curation approaches and technologies that may be applicable to data services; and facilitate the implementation of data service innovations.  S/he will lead the Data Working Group, a Libraries-wide group which coordinates training and data services best practices. The Data Services Specialist may serve as liaison to one or more academic departments.

Required qualifications:   Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school, or doctorate in a related field. Knowledge of research data lifecycle concepts and issues.  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment. Commitment to engage in scholarship worthy of promotion and tenure as a faculty member of Purdue University.

Desired qualifications: Experience providing research data services. Understanding of best practices in data curation and management.  Familiarity with repositories and other data resources. Hands-on experience creating and disseminating information resources. Experience working with and/or teaching diverse groups/diverse students.

Appointment: Appointment will be at the assistant or associate professor rank.  The full job announcement can be seen at: www.lib.purdue.edu/admin/hr/career_opportunities/.

Salary and benefits:  Salary commensurate with experience in the context of Purdue University’s salary structure. Faculty tenure-track position with a twelve-month appointment. Rank of assistant, associate, or full professor depending on qualifications.  Purdue provides a generous fringe benefit package that includes retirement benefits as well as health, disability and life insurance, 22 annual vacation days, and tuition support for employee, children, and spouse/same sex domestic partner.

Application process: To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of at least three references via email to Carla Heuss, Libraries Human Resources Assistant, at green113@purdue.edu.   Please place “Data Services Specialist” in the subject line of the email.  Nominations for the position will be accepted and should be sent to the same email address.  Review of applications will begin on September 15, 2012, and will continue until the position is filled.  Questions may be directed to Carla Heuss at 765-494-2899 or the above email address.  A background check will be required for this position.

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.