Data Repository Specialist

The University of Arizona Libraries’ Research Engagement office seeks a Data Repository Specialist to support the University of Arizona Research Data Repository (ReDATA). ReDATA is intended to be a long-term archive for public research datasets and software produced by University of Arizona researchers. The incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the ReDATA service. This includes assuming ownership of the software stack, web apps, and cloud servers that form ReDATA’s data curation and preservation infrastructure and collaborating on their management, maintenance, and improvement with others in the Research Engagement department; performing data curation and related activities on datasets deposited into ReDATA with others in the department; contributing to ReDATA outreach activities (e.g., developing and delivering workshops, managing social media accounts); and leading or participating in other ReDATA-related initiatives as needed (e.g., special projects, professional development activities). Flexible work arrangements are possible after approval (within Arizona only). Visit the University Libraries website to learn more about us. Diversity Commitment: At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As an Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness. CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• Manage, maintain, and improve ReDATA’s in-house-developed software for user management, data curation, and data preservation (implement new features, fix bugs, create documentation, manage deployment etc.)
• Assist with managing, maintaining, and improving ReDATA’s cloud infrastructure and associated workflows (web application management, server monitoring, backups, billing, etc.)
• Work with other ReDATA curators to perform curation of deposits according to ReDATA’s policies and established standards
• Assist with improving data curation workflows and processes where needed
• Assist with developing, promoting, and delivering trainings/workshops on ReDATA to the UA campus community
• Assist with general outreach efforts
• Manage ReDATA’s social media accounts
• Collect and periodically analyze usage statistics
• Assist with other duties including but not limited to planning, assessments, or other special projects
• The UA Libraries support the UA’s diversity and inclusiveness strategic initiatives designed to create an inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, and students.  The candidate is expected to support diversity and inclusiveness efforts in the department and college.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Extremely high attention to detail
• Initiative, optimism, time management, follow-through, and independent problem-solving.
• Evidence of teaching data-related topics
• Participation in relevant professional organizations or societies
• Comfortable using the Unix shell
• Familiarity with object-oriented development practices and modern software development patterns in Python (e.g., project structures, coding conventions, PyPi, software testing and deployment patterns)
• Ability to analyze, document, and deconstruct workflows and procedures to translate user needs into technical solutions
• Familiarity with GitHub and associated best practices/patterns for robust software development (e.g. Gitflow, GitHub Actions, branching and merging)
• Familiarity with DevOps practices like continuous integration (e.g., using GitHub Actions), infrastructure-as-code (e.g., using Ansible), containerization, serverless deployments
• Familiarity with modern documentation tools and practices for open-source software (e.g., ReadTheDocs, source code docstrings, Sphinx)
• Ability to self-manage software development projects (e.g., using Kanban boards, burndown charts, ticket/issue tracking, etc.)
• Familiarity with digital repository systems or services (e.g., Dataverse, Dspace, Figshare, etc.)
• General knowledge of how academic research is conducted in higher education in the context of at least one discipline (e.g., research data production and management, publishing journal articles, funding)
• General knowledge of open science, research reproducibility and digital preservation.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative and inclusive environment, one that values and leverages the benefits of diverse perspectives.
• Positive attitude and strong demonstration of Our Values: Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Diversity, Innovation, and Integrity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience is required.
• Any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education approved by Human Resources.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree with experience performing academic research.
• One year of experience applying fundamental software development concepts, patterns, tools, and frameworks in production environments using Python, GitHub, and web APIs.
• Completed workshops/trainings, possessing professional certifications, or a having a project portfolio demonstrating skill-building / learning in the areas indicated in the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

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