Dataverse Curation Assistant

06-Mar-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

65109BR

Job Summary

The Dataverse Data Management and Curation Assistant is responsible for the collection, organization, and management of data within the field of Environmental Health, Climate, and Migration data. Their primary focus is ensuring the quality and availability of acquired data. Working closely with data scientists, analysts, and stakeholders, they identify data needs and maintain data integrity to ensure deposits within the Harvard Repository are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR). Reporting to the Harvard Dataverse Curation Manager and the PIs of the grant, the Data Curation Assistant collaborates with partners and stakeholders, including the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), Boston University (BU), the Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS), and the Center for Geographic Analysis (CGA). They identify and source relevant data and curate them into the Harvard Dataverse Repository. This role involves establishing data transfer mechanisms in collaboration with data providers and conducting data audits to assess the quality and completeness of the data. T Data Curation Assistant remains updated on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in data curation. They proactively identify opportunities to enhance data management processes and tools, potentially working with IT teams to implement data curation solutions and automation

Position Description

As a member of this collaborative project team, The Data Curation Assistant:

• Collaborates with the the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), Boston University (BU), the Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS), and the Center for Geographic Analysis (CGA) to acquire data;
• Provides data curation consultation services and apply metadata to data within the Harvard Dataverse;
• Ensures data accuracy and consistency by validating, transforming, and implementing data quality controls;
• Assists in monitoring data quality metrics and address data-related issues;
• Maintains strong relationships with stakeholders in the research data management landscape;
• Assists in assessing compliance with data protection regulations and privacy laws;
• Understand data requirements and priorities through collaboration with stakeholders
• Assists in the development and implementation of data retention and disposal policies;
• Stays updated on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in data curation;
• Contributes to program and project reports and document workflows and procedures. 

Basic Qualifications

• Two plus years of experience with the research data lifecycle, data curation, and FAIR data principles;
• Two plus years of experience in project management.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

•  Bachelor's or Master's degree in data management, information science, or a related field.
• Master's degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution of higher education or an advanced degree in a related field
•  Solid understanding of data management principles, data governance, and data quality.
•  Familiarity with data curation tools and technologies;
•  Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities;
•  Effective communication and collaboration skills;
•  Existing knowledge of Environmental Health, Climate, and/or Migration data standards and practices;
•  Data curation experience involving a data repository, such as Dataverse;
•  Data curation experience involving sensitive data and data de-identification;
•  Experience organizing and documenting data;
•  Demonstrated ability to create and use programs, scripts, and other tools, such as Open Refine, to extract and manipulate data from a variety of sources, including web services and APIs;
•  Experience collaborating and communicating with faculty and researchers;
•  Ability to manage workload, priorities and deadlines and achieve timeline goals;
•  Strong written and oral communication skills

Additional Information

IQSS sits in the Division of Social Science, which is strongly committed to creating and supporting a diverse workforce. Respect and fairness, kindness and collegiality, and trust and transparency are among the values we espouse and promote in our workplace culture. We work hard to ensure a healthy, inclusive and positive environment where everyone does their best work in support of Harvard’s mission.

This is a term position with an end date of 04/30/26 with possibility of renewal based on available funds. The position is part time, 17.5 hours per week. 

We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403074 Library Assistant VI

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Institute for Qualitative Social Science/Harvard MIT Data Center

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Appointment End Date

30-Apr-2026

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Schedule

Part time, 17.5 hours per week.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

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