At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategic development of metadata standards and discovery services for research data.
- Company: Join the UK Data Archive at the University of Essex, a key player in research data.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Other info: Be part of innovative European initiatives and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of research data and make a global impact on data discovery.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in metadata management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
This vacancy is only available to existing University of Essex staff.
Are you an experienced metadata professional with the vision and leadership skills to shape the future of research data discovery and reuse? The UK Data Archive, based at the University of Essex, is seeking a Head of Metadata Management and Discovery to lead the strategic development of metadata standards, governance, and discovery services across one of the UK's most important research data infrastructures. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring that high-quality, interoperable and sustainable metadata supports the full data lifecycle – from acquisition and curation through to discovery, access, impact and reuse by researchers, policymakers and other data users worldwide.
About the Role
As a senior member of the Data Operations team, you will provide strategic leadership for metadata policies, standards, workflows and services across the UK Data Service. Working closely with colleagues across data collections, curation, access, user support, and technical services, you will ensure metadata remains central to delivering high-quality services and an excellent user experience. You will:
- Lead the development and implementation of the UK Data Service metadata strategy.
- Oversee metadata governance, standards, quality assurance and lifecycle management.
- Champion the use of controlled vocabularies, ontologies and semantic assets, including the European Languages Social Science Thesaurus (ELSST).
- Represent the UK Data Service in national and international collaborations, standards bodies, and communities of practice.
- Manage and develop specialist staff, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
- Help shape future discovery systems and metadata services, including participation in major European initiatives such as CDIF4EOSC and AI4SOCIAL+.
About You
You will bring substantial experience in metadata management within a research, data, library, archive or digital infrastructure environment, together with a strong understanding of metadata standards, interoperability, controlled vocabularies and data lifecycle management. You will be a confident leader and communicator, capable of translating strategic priorities into practical solutions, influencing senior stakeholders and working effectively across multidisciplinary teams. Experience of metadata quality frameworks, governance and service improvement will be essential.
Head Of Metadata Management And Discovery (Internal), Ukda in Colchester employer: University of Essex
The University of Essex offers a vibrant and supportive work environment for Nursing Education Lecturers, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities, including professional training and research initiatives. Located in the picturesque town of Colchester, employees enjoy a balanced lifestyle with access to beautiful surroundings and a thriving academic community.
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