Data Repository Software Developer

Description

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, an internationally renowned centre for research and postgraduate education in public and global health, is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and innovative individual to the post of Data Repository Software Developer. The post holder will work in the Research Data Management Support Service, a new initiative within the Library & Archives Service, which has been set up to help researchers to manage and share their research data.

The post holder will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing an institutional Research Data Repository for the School. Utilising the ePrints repository software (http://www.eprints.org/) as a basis, they will need to extend its functionality to address School requirements and the distinct management needs of health data. The final product will be a live Data Repository system that can be used by LSHTM researchers to curate, preserve and share selected research data in accordance with best practice and at an appropriate level of granularity

Specific responsibilities:

1. Produce an implementation plan for the Research Data Repository that addresses established functional requirements and fits within the broad framework established for the Research Data Management Support Service.

2. Develop and implement an OAIS (Open Archival Information System) compliant data repository, utilising off-the-shelf components where feasible, that is capable of acquiring, describing, curating, preserving, and making available health data

3. Perform activities necessary to ensure that the Research Data Repository can be maintained as an ongoing service, in co-ordination with the Project Manager (RDM)

4. Liaise with research staff, IT Services Staff, and other internal/external data experts to trial components of the Research Data Repository, including the processing of data and metadata.

5. Respond to queries and provide support to researchers who wish to create metadata records and deposit data in the repository, as required

6. Produce reports, discussion papers, and other written material that document various aspects of the Research Data Repository, including its development, implementation, operation and use.

7. Contribute to the planning, operation, and promotion of the Research Data Management Support Service, as required by the Project Manager.

8. Deliver presentations on topics related to work performed by the Research Data Management Support Service, as required.

9. Participate in the induction programme for and training of Library & Archives Service staff.

10. Represent the LAS at meetings and events, as required by the Project Manager or Head of Library & Archives Service.

11. Keep a watching brief on developments related to Data Management and Digital Repositories that may have an impact upon the work performed.

12. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development by attending conferences and appropriate training courses to keep up to date knowledge and expertise within the sector.

13. Other duties which the Head of Library & Archives Service may assign, as demands on the LAS dictate, within the boundaries of the grade of the role

Selection Criteria

Essential

a) A degree in Computer Science or Information Technology related field, or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.

b) Demonstrable experience of having performed substantial development work using digital repository software, such as ePrints, DSpace, Fedora Commons, or others.

c) Demonstrable experience of having worked with metadata standards for organising and documenting research data, such as DDI, MODS, Dublin Core, METS, PREMIS.

d) Knowledge of web server software including Apache and Tomcat in a Linux/Unix environment.

e) Experience with database technologies, such as MySQL, Oracle, and the SQL language, on enterprise level systems.
f) Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.

g) Excellent organisational skills and problem solving skills, with proven ability to identify and resolve issues and prioritise workloads.

h) Proven ability to work as a member of a team.

Desirable

a) Familiarity with authentication/credential systems such as Shibboleth, Active  Directory, and/or LDAP.

b) Awareness of sensitivities associated with management and sharing of health research data.

c) Knowledge of standards for digital curation and preservation.

d) Experience of working in a research intensive environment.


To apply you should have a recognised qualification in a relevant degree (computing science or one with a significant IT component) or have significant experience of software development. You must be thorough and methodical, able to work independently to tight deadlines, and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Salary will be on the Professional Support Grade 5 scale in the range  £31,376 – £36,018 inclusive per annum, plus generous holiday allowance. This is a fixed term post up to June 2015.

Applications should be made on-line via our website at http://jobs.lshtm.ac.uk/.  Applications should also include the names and email contacts of 2 referees who can be contacted immediately if shortlisted.  Any queries regarding the application process may be addressed to jobs@lshtm.ac.uk. Please quote reference CSL43. Closing date for receipt of applications is 10pm on 02 October 2013.

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is committed to being an equal opportunities employer.

Thanks, Gareth -- Gareth Knight Project Manager, Research Data Management Support Service London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT Telephone: (+44) 020 7927 2564 www.lshtm.ac.uk/library http://lshtmlib.blogspot.com/ @LSHTMlibrary @LSHTMarchives