Assistant Director for Data Stewardship - PRI
University of Illinois

Job Info

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Assistant Director for Data Stewardship - PRI

Prairie Research Institute

PRI is seeking to hire a Assistant Director for Data Stewardship who will serve as an integral member of the PRI Executive Leadership team. Recommend, contribute, and collaborate with the PRI Executive Director to develop and implement the strategic vision for the Institute, to implement process improvements, and to develop and implement metrics and track progress toward strategic goals. Will provide vision and leadership in developing and implementing a comprehensive data stewardship program at the Prairie Research Institute. This role will involve managing a multidisciplinary team, leading grant proposals, collaborating with external partners and stakeholders, and overseeing the integration and interoperability of diverse data systems to support the Institute's research objectives.

The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five large scientific surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI's mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and governments of Illinois. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs .

Why Work at the Prairie Research Institute?

Duties & Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Provide strategic vision and leadership for data stewardship and management initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and senior leadership to identify and pursue strategic opportunities and initiatives.
• Develop and promote policies and standards for data management, integration, and sharing in collaboration with discipline experts across the Institute.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of data systems, ensuring alignment with the Institute's goals and objectives.
• Develop a data management support team to help educate and assist Institute researchers with modern data management practices and workflows.
• Develop collaborations across the Institute, related units in the university, and with external partners.
• Represent the Institute at meetings, conferences, and other events as needed.

Team Management

• Lead, develop, and manage a multidisciplinary team of data scientists, IT professionals, and research staff that can advance data stewardship practices and provide education, advisement, and technical support of data management systems and practices to Institute researchers.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, promoting professional development and continuous learning.

• Ensure the team meets project goals, deadlines, and deliverables.

Proposal Development and Funding

• Lead the development of proposals, and collaborate with principal investigators, to funding agencies to secure resources for data stewardship projects.

• Identify funding opportunities and collaborate with principal investigators and researchers to develop competitive proposals to support the development of data systems and approaches.

• Manage budgets and resources for funded projects, ensuring effective use of funds and compliance with funding agency requirements.

Integration and Interoperability

• Oversee the development and maintenance of data systems that support the integration and interoperability of diverse data sources.
• Ensure data systems are designed to support the Institute's research needs, are scalable and sustainable, and utilize emerging technologies.
• Work with funding agencies, partners, and stakeholders to ensure the data systems are flexible to meet emerging needs and differing use cases.
• Promote the use of advanced technologies, including high performance computing, cloud systems, and machine learning and artificial intelligence, to enhance data analysis and visualization capabilities.
• Keeping abreast of developments in relevant technologies and seeking their adoption as needed.
• Perform other duties as needed to further PRI's mission and goals.

Minimum Qualifications: A minimum of a master's or higher degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Information Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related discipline. A minimum of ten years of experience in data management, database architecture, research software development, or a closely related area, showcasing their expertise and familiarity with the field's intricacies. A proven track record of leadership and team management, demonstrating their ability to guide and develop a multidisciplinary team effectively. Experience in proposal development and securing funding from external agencies. Valid Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications: A PhD degree in a relevant field, such as Computer Science, Information Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related discipline. A minimum of ten years of experience in data management, database architecture, research software development, or a closely related area, with significant experience in proposal development and securing funding from a variety of external agencies particularly in an academic or research institute environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Possess the ability to formulate and implement a strategic vision for data stewardship, demonstrating strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, enabling them to effectively collaborate with, educate, and advise both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Proficiency in relevant software and technologies including knowledge of metadata standards across fields related to PRI research. Illustrate a proven track record of leadership and team management, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that promotes professional development and continuous learning. Experience in proposal development and securing funding from external agencies. Have a deep understanding of data stewardship principles and best practices, coupled with experience in data integration and interoperability within a research environment, and have a publication and software development portfolio that reflects this knowledge. Ability to work seamlessly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. A deep understanding of data stewardship principles and best practices. K nowledge of metadata standards and science-specific schema. Have a publication record and successful software/solution development portfolio. Familiarity with advanced technologies, including machine learning and artificial intelligence. Demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to foster collaboration and lead multidisciplinary teams.

Working Conditions: The work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves sitting for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions for data entry.

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The budgeted amount for this position is $100,000 to $150,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 11/1/2024.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday, January 20, 2024(extended). Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Interviews may take place before the closing date, with the understanding that no hiring decisions will be made until after the close date. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Megan Weeks, mkweeks@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1027079
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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