Data Management Education Specialist

Description

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of instructional design practices, concepts, and tools.
• Working knowledge of data management and/or open science theory and practices.
• Proficiency with statistical programming packages (e.g., R, Python, Stata) that can be used to wrangle (gather, unify, tidy, transform) and analyze data.
• Demonstrated commitment to the value of diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Not all preferred qualifications must be met for consideration.

Job Description:

The Iowa State University Library seeks nominations and applications for the position of Data Management Education Specialist. As part of the Research Data Services (RDS) unit, the Specialist will play a key part in the University Library’s support and advocacy of responsible data management, data sharing, and open research practices such as computational reproducibility. 

Those with prior coursework or experience in data wrangling and management, or a certification in data science are encouraged to apply as are those who would like to improve or develop their instruction skills.

The Specialist can expect to lead, co-teach, and plan a variety of data management education opportunities that build and improve upon the library’s current efforts. Identified areas of interest on campus include data wrangling in R and/or Python, Data and Software Carpentry lessons, introductions to Git and GitHub, advanced file management, data documentation, how to prepare data for sharing, and more. The specialist will pursue opportunities to develop and deploy curriculum in a variety of mediums and settings, both in person and virtual. As a member of RDS, the specialist will work and lead cross-unit and cross-disciplinary teams and work with learners and collaborators from across campus with varied levels of experience with data management, open science, and technology.

In addition to contributing to RDS unit and the activities of its parent division, Collections and Technical Services, candidates will also be able to shape the use and experience of The Catalyst, a newly remodeled room in Parks Library. The Catalyst provides easy access to expert staff and space for collaboration, exploration, and instruction for digital research and scholarship. 

Example of Duties

• Lead the planning, development, and delivery of the University Library’s Research Data Services education and training program.
• Practice effective communication and analytic skills, including the ability to work well alone, in teams, and with diverse people.
• Work with stakeholders and collaborators (such as other librarians, lab managers, faculty, etc.) to design and modify materials and lessons to meet specific audience skill levels and goals.  
• Create and maintain Open Educational Resources (OER) on supported topics through Library guides and other media to supplement and scale instruction.
• Contribute significantly to the planning, development, and assessment of the Research Data Services Unit and participate in the activities of the Collection and Technical Services Division.
• Aid with other unit activities such assisting researchers with preparing data for publication and preservation, outreach, and other duties as assigned.

What We Are Looking For

ISU library values and benefits from diversity, equity, and inclusion and incorporates these values in our work; as such, the successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, public service, and the land-grant mission. Information on our recent initiatives and environment are available here. We seek candidates who will broaden our lived experiences and perspectives and support our patrons and staff of all identities and backgrounds.

The successful candidate will be expected to function in a rapidly changing, team-based environment which will require the use of organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills, and the ability to interact and communicate effectively with library staff and the university community. These skills will aid the candidate in formulating and implementing innovative approaches and solutions to problems and communicating complex ideas to a wide range of audiences.

Service to the University and the profession and/or research and publication are expected for academic librarians to continue advancement and to seek promotion after achieving three or more years of successful performance in the current rank. The library is committed to supporting academic librarians, especially those new to the profession, through mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities to foster success and growth in their work.

ISU Library is a member of the ACRL Diversity Alliance and is committed to creating and sustaining a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment where all individuals can succeed and thrive. All library staff report their DEI efforts on annual evaluations. ISU students, staff, and faculty strive to overcome historical and divisive biases in our society. Library staff must embrace an environment of inclusion that moves beyond simple tolerance to recognizing the richness in individual identities of people, and diverse perspectives.

• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
• May provide guidance to students