Data Services Specialist

Description

Apply at https://tinyurl.com/RiceDataSpecialist

Fondren Library of Rice University is seeking a data services specialist who will lead services focused on research data, including the discovery, analysis, visualization, and management of data. Minimum requirements are a master’s degree in quantitative social science, statistics, library and information science, or other relevant discipline (or additional experience) and 2 years of experience supporting users in a research or educational environment through workshops, consultations, or other modes of teaching and engagement.

Summary

The data services specialist leads Fondren Library’s services focused on research data, including the discovery, analysis, visualization, and management of data. The data services specialist conducts consultations, workshops, and other programming and develops data services that support Rice University’s teaching and research mission.

Reporting to the executive director of Digital Scholarship Services, the successful candidate builds relationships with faculty, staff and students, promotes data literacy, and devises strategies to meet emerging needs. They also help to identify and access relevant datasets, assist in developing policies, practices, and outreach for Fondren Library’s data repository services, and support scholars in working with data across the research lifecycle. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, excellent communication and outreach skills, a keen enthusiasm for learning, outstanding problem-solving skills, and strong knowledge of statistics and data analysis methods.

Essential Functions

• Provides in-depth research consultations on data discovery, management, analysis, and visualization
• Develops and delivers workshops and instructional resources on analyzing, visualizing, and managing data
• Evaluates academic needs in data literacy and collaborates with faculty to integrate data literacy into the classroom and independent learning
• Develops, implements, and promotes data repository services
• Assist researchers in curating and sharing data
• Conducts outreach for data services
• Stays current on trends in data curation, data science, research data management, statistics, and related domains

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in quantitative social science, statistics, library and information science, or other relevant discipline
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
• Two years of experience supporting users in a research or educational environment through workshops, consultations, or other modes of teaching and engagement
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistics, data visualization techniques, and data analysis tools such as R or Python
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technical skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Preferred

• Familiarity with best practices for research data management and data curation
• Demonstrated knowledge of data information literacy competencies
• Demonstrated knowledge of freely available and licensed data resources
• Experience with project management

Salary & benefits: $55,000 minimum, with hiring salary commensurate with experience and qualifications; no state or local income tax; 21 benefit days; a range of retirement options including TIAA; health and life insurance; and tuition waiver.

Environment: Fondren Library provides a stimulating work environment, with opportunities to participate in the delivery of innovative library services supported by leading edge technologies. An active program of digital resource development and deilvery is grounded in successful collaboration among staff from Digital Scholarship Services, other library departments and information technology staff. Research Data Services, a collaboration between Fondren Library and the Center for Research Computing, offers workshops and consulting on data management, analysis, and visualization.

Houston is a vibrant, multicultural city, with world-class visual and performing arts ranging from the traditional to the avant-garde. The fourth largest city in the country, Houston enjoys a moderate cost of living and easy proximity to the Gulf Coast. For more information, see: http://www.explore.rice.edu/explore/General_Information.asp.

Applications must be received by November 30, 2021 in order to be considered. Please apply with cover letter, résumé and three references at: https://tinyurl.com/RiceDataSpecialist

Special Instruction to Applicants:

This position posting requires a cover letter, a resume, and a document with three professional references. Please attach all required documents in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

Inquiries: Lisa Spiro at (713) 348-2480 or lspiro@rice.edu.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.