Digitalization and FAIR data management are becoming increasingly important in research. The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), in collaboration with the Digital Competence Center (DCC) of the University of Groningen, is therefore looking for research data support (a data steward) connected to the GBB, a research institute that builds on integrative experimental and computational efforts in biology and chemistry.

The Digital Competence Centre is a collaboration of the University Library (UB) and the Centre for Information Technology (CIT) that aims to be the one stop support centre for research IT and data. The DCC functions as a front office and provides a network and a training centre for all researchers and adjoining support staff of the UG. The DCC supports research, both centrally and decentrally, with data stewards who are connected to research institutes in the faculties.
As a data steward you work for both the DCC within the Center for Information Technology (CIT; 0.2 FTE) and the research institute GBB at the Faculty of Science and Engineering (0.6 to 0.8 FTE). Formally you will be positioned at the CIT/DCC and seconded to FSE/GBB for 0.6 to 0.8 FTE.

You support the implementation of the research data management policies of the institute by advising on use and assisting in development and implementation of versatile strategies to apply the preferred methods and tools for secure data storage, retrieval and sharing at the UG. The full integration and linking between different data management and storage solutions is one of the main goals.

You are the linking pin between the research groups of the institute GBB, the Digital Competence Centre and other colleagues at the CIT.

You are part of and contribute to the data storage processes of the GBB research groups by working on three important aspects:

1. Ensuring the use of secure IT practices and solutions; a main target of your work. You do so by understanding the needs of the research groups for designing and testing required IT-solutions developed with CIT.
2. Developing and implementing secure solutions to adequately store, access, and analyze research data, also from locations outside the lab.
3. Supporting the use of digital lab journals and its integration/connection to store, archive and retrieve research data on the iRODS based storage system of the UG.

These tasks will be assigned to a dedicated data steward, allowing space and freedom to organize and further shape this position. The tasks can be executed on site, a home office, or any other location where you can have a safe connection. Training related to already implemented tools and methods (default and custom IT solutions) is provided by the CIT.

● academic thinking and working skills
● experience/strong affinity with IT and a keen eye for the importance of IT security
● experience/affinity with the experimental and computational research in the realm of the research institute GBB is considered a plus
● you can work independently, and have the organizational skills to propose and advise on the data management and convince involved parties
● you have strong communication skills and a proactive mindset to solve the issues researchers face when storing and managing research data.
● you are a proactive organizer with creative ideas with the drive to improve secure data management.
● programming skills are a pre, but more important is the skill of recognizing where programming can be applied in order to improve data management and translate the needs to an expert programmer at CIT
● knowledge of applicable legislation regarding data management and FAIR research data management is considered a plus
● fluency in English and preferably in Dutch, both written and spoken

Fixed-term contract: 12 months.

We offer in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

● a salary of a maximum of € 4,474 gross per month (salary scale 10) for a full-time position, depending on qualifications and experience
● a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% of your gross annual income
● a temporary employment contract for the duration of one year with the possibility of an extension
● attractive fringe benefits such as the Employee Benefits Choice Model and a good pension and leave plan.

Center for Information Technology

The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has been our top priority for over four hundred years, and withThe University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has been our top priority for over four hundred years, and with success: the university is currently in the top 100 of several influential ranking lists.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers education and research in a wide range of disciplines, from traditional scientific disciplines such as physics and biology to interdisciplinary disciplines such as artificial intelligence and industrial engineering and management. The Faculty’s staff and students come from all over the world and nearly all its degree programs are in English.

The University of Groningen Digital Competence Center (DCC) is a collaboration between the University Library and Center for Information Technology, is the one stop shop for research data management and research IT support.