At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with staff and students to promote best practices in Research Data Management.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton Library Service, committed to open research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working options, and a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate community, making a real impact on research data practices.
- Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and knowledge of research data management are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to work across various academic themes for personal development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Interviews: 6th & 7th August
University of Southampton Library Service is seeking to appoint a dynamic, enthusiastic, and proactive Engagement Librarian specialising in Research Data Management (RDM). This is a full-time, permanent appointment (35 hours per week).
The role
You will engage with staff and students to promote and develop best practice RDM. You will be part of a small team responsible for the University’s data catalogue and data repository, and for planning, outreach, and service development to address the data life cycle needs of researchers in line with the University’s commitment to open research and the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable) principles. You will work as part of an active community of researchers (staff and students) and professional services staff across the University who are passionate about open research, and you will work closely with RDM stakeholders.
In Particular, The Post-holder Will
- advise and support researchers in drafting data management plans in line with funder requirements, privacy and ethics regulations, and intellectual property rights considerations.
- mediate the deposition of research data into the institutional repository, following workflows and evaluating datasets, liaising with academics to ensure that datasets are suitable for the repository.
- design and run training events tailored to researchers’ needs, and inspire researchers to participate at both disciplinary and university level,
- contribute to the development of the research data services at Southampton, and liaise with colleagues nationally and internationally to exchange best practice.
- contribute to the development of new and revised workflows. taking advantage of technological solutions.
About You
We are seeking candidates with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, experience, or knowledge of delivering research data management infrastructure, and an understanding of data management and Open Research issues, including preservation issues, technical challenges and funder/professional body standards and requirements. We are particularly keen to receive applications from candidates with a good knowledge and hands on experience in managing and making research data and software reproducible.
In addition to your main work within the Research Data team, you will have the possibility to work within one of the other themes within our academic engagement matrix. No previous knowledge of any secondary theme is required; it can be a developmental opportunity. You will also be the main point of contact for Library services for some schools and departments in the university.
What We Can Offer You
As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work.
With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.
If you wish to discuss the role in more detail, please email, please contact Isobel Stark, Head of Research Data & Intellectual Property at #J-18808-Ljbffr
Engagement Librarian employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engagement Librarian
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of Research Data Management (RDM) and the FAIR principles. Understanding these concepts will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current professionals in the field of RDM, especially those who work in academic libraries. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've previously engaged with researchers or developed training events. Highlighting your practical experience will show that you can effectively contribute to the team from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the University of Southampton's current initiatives in open research and RDM. Being knowledgeable about their projects will allow you to tailor your responses during the interview and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
We think you need these skills to ace Engagement Librarian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills related to Research Data Management. Emphasise your communication and interpersonal skills, as well as any hands-on experience with data management and open research.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the University of Southampton. Discuss how your background aligns with their commitment to open research and the FAIR principles, and mention specific examples of your past work in RDM.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, be sure to detail any experience you have in advising researchers, designing training events, or developing workflows. This will demonstrate your capability to fulfil the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the role of Engagement Librarian.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Know Your RDM Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Research Data Management principles, especially the FAIR principles. Being able to discuss how these concepts apply to the role will show your enthusiasm and understanding of the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical situations related to data management plans or repository workflows. Think about past experiences where you've had to advise or support researchers, and be ready to share those examples.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Engagement Librarian, you'll need excellent communication skills. Prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated complex information to diverse audiences in the past, whether through training events or one-on-one support.
✨Research the University’s Initiatives
Familiarise yourself with the University of Southampton's current research data services and any recent initiatives. This will not only help you answer questions but also allow you to suggest ideas for future developments during the interview.