Director, Research Data Management (fixed term) (FAB292516)

Nottingham, recently ranked 8th for research power in the REF2014, is one of the largest producers of research data in the UK.  There is strategic imperative to develop support services for research data management, to exploit the opportunities of big data and open data initiatives and grant applications, and embed RDM policy and practice throughout the University’s research and academic community.  The seminal Royal Society Report Science as an Open Enterprise advocated open, shared and re-usable data and for the huge potential this has for science and its application in public policy and in business.

To maintain and improve our competitive positon a number of initiatives are underway under the remit of University Global Strategy 2020.  One of which is implementation of a Digital Research Environment Strategy. Of the eight recommendations of this strategy one is to establish a research data model that supports researchers in the long term management of research data and outputs.

To lead the University in development of a comprehensive research data management and preservation service, the RDM Director will work in partnership with colleagues from across the University to create a vision for RDM (the strategic potential), to develop a coordinated RDM service and ways of working across the full range of research and innovation activity.  This will include (but not be limited to) provision of support across the full range of research funders (including the UK Research Councils, government departments and charities). 

The role holder will be required to establish a University-wide profile, forge strong links with key academics, build networks across the University and work in partnership with Digital Research Strategic Planning team and colleagues in  Research, Enterprise and Graduate Service (REGS), Information Services (IS), Libraries, Research and Learning Resources (LRLR) professionals to ensure that not only compliance risks are mitigated and research impact through data publication maximised, but that opportunities around funding and profile raising for Big Data and Open Data are taken/developed. 

The post holder will develop and implement RDM policies, guidance and processes across the University.  Ensure service delivery and standards of support available and ensure that the technical infrastructure is fit for purpose, value for money and sustainable.

Candidates should be professionally qualified and be educated to degree level or equivalent and should have extensive management experience in a similar role.   The post will be offererd on a three year fixed-term contract from the date of employment.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to sara.winskill-smith@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

The University of Nottingham is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Closing Date: 05 Dec 2016
Category: Administrative, Professional and Managerial (APM)