*Research Informatics Specialist

The University Libraries seeks to recruit a technical professional who has a passion for the higher education environment to support data-intensive research and digital scholarship projects. The Research Informatics Specialist is a member of the Digital Scholarship and Data Services department which resides within the Digital Strategies and Innovation division. Reporting to the Director of Digital Scholarship and Data Services, this role performs information engineering in the form of automation, storage, and retrieval of information through the use and development of cyberinfrastructure. 

The primary support focus for this role is research endeavors spanning STEM, Social Science, and Digital Humanities, and may be included in grants as a project resource. The Research Informatics Specialist works closely with other researcher support roles. An ideal candidate will have a proven record of working independently and managing multiple priorities at one time.

Position Responsibilities Include: 

• Serves as a consultant and collaborator by helping researchers across OU's research domains to develop plans for addressing computing and data needs.
• Helps teams to innovate, evaluate, develop and deploy new knowledge creation and management technologies.
• Guides in identifying and selecting engineering informatics tools, e.g. automating dataset ingest mechanisms.
• Consults with the Research Data Specialist to identify and evaluate data assets.
• Participates in data audits and associated data assessment activities.
• Develops technologies and processes for data access and sharing, visualization, preservation, and general data management.
• Consults with researchers to provide informatics solutions and support.
• Serves as a consultant helping researchers in OU's research domains to curate and archive digital data and to solve information/data-related problems.
• Participates in education, outreach, and training on information and data science, including policy, access, and technology issues.
• Participates in the planning and development of digital and e-research programs that address researchers’ content/information/data-related needs.
• Engages in partnerships to develop technologies and processes for data access and sharing, visualization, preservation, and general data management.
• Participates in data collection and reporting in support of program assessment and data-driven decision-making.
• Performs data-driven analysis to drive continuous improvement of accessibility and usability of tools and resources.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications must attach the following documents in pdf format:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 Professional References

Hire will be contingent on submission of academic transcripts.

Best consideration date for this position is 4/26/24.

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree, AND:

• 24 months of experience in application and software development.

Equivalency substitution: Will accept 48 months related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree for a total of 72 months related experience.

Skills:

• Ability to work with varied groups of people in a respectful, equitable and inclusive way.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with end-users at varying technological skill levels.
• Demonstrated high-level technology proficiency and capabilities working with computing systems, disk arrays, computers and software, the Web, and social media.
• Demonstrated ability in programming in one of the following languages: Python, R, JavaScript, SQL.
• Experience with data visualization and text mining tools.
• Ability to build and sustain effective interpersonal relationships and work collaboratively in a diverse and fast-paced environment.
• Analytical skills, creative and innovative problem-solving skills, and a strong commitment to service excellence.
• Outstanding organizational, project, and time management skills to lead multiple projects. 
  

Certifications: None.

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods.
• Ability to communicate, including expressing oneself or exchanging information with others.
• Ability to use computer daily.

Department Preferences:

• Advanced degree.
• Experience working with Unix / Linux command line tools.
• Familiarity with web frameworks such as Drupal or Django.
• Experience with workflow automation using Celery, Apache Airflow, or other similar frameworks.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ontology tools, and technologies supporting humanities research, e.g. Nvivo, ATLAS.ti, XML, CIDOC-CRM, Geovocab.
• Experience working in an environment that involves complexity and change.
• Experience in writing and/or managing grants.
• Experience in working with grant funded researchers.
• Ability to teach others in group and/or one-on-one settings.
• Understanding of the academic library’s role in research, teaching and learning and the role of new and innovative technologies on the ongoing development and evolution of new library services and digital scholarship. 
  

Supervision: 

• No supervisory duties.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.