Harvard University
University Research Data Officer
University Administration
58746BR
Position Description
Reporting jointly to the Vice Provost for Research as well as the Vice President and University CIO, the University Research Data Officer is charged with maturing Harvard’s research data governance practices. The incumbent will help coordinate strategic initiatives spanning the Harvard research enterprise, Information Technology, and Harvard Library, acting as liaison with key constituencies across campus – e.g., faculty, Harvard school leadership, and senior administrators. Their mission will be to evolve the university’s research data life cycle framework with input from faculty and administration to guide Harvard policy, process, and procedures for data, including:
- Establishing common research data policies to protect and preserve the University’s research data, mitigate risk, and enable the university to meet external requirements including reporting;
- Providing thought leadership on service delivery in areas key to enabling research collaboration across disciplines;
- Collaborating closely with key partners, such as:
- University and School Senior Administrators generally
- Harvard faculty engaged in research involving data management requirements
- University Chief Compliance Officer in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research
- University Chief Information Security and Data Privacy Officer (CISDPO)
- Assistant University Librarian for Content Strategies and Associate Librarian for FAS, Harvard Library
- University Scholarly Communication Officer and Director of Open Scholarship and Research Data Management Services, Harvard Library
- University Research Computing Officer
- Organizing and leading a data and analytics governance council to provide executive sponsorship for and oversight of governance policy creation and compliance, and participating in committees such as the Regulatory Data Steering group;
- Defining/managing/and advancing enterprise information management principles, policies and programs for facilitating research while maintaining stewardship, advocacy, and custodianship of data and analytics;
- Evolving and institutionalizing behaviors for the appropriate use of information, taking into consideration the changing research environment as well as security requirements, privacy needs, ethical values, societal expectations, and cultural norms.
The University Research Data Officer must be a thought leader in addressing emerging issues and new developments in this space. S/he must stay well attuned to innovative approaches in the industry and amongst Harvard’s peers. This will include keeping up to date with developments in research data management, establishing future requirements, and making recommendations to improve and develop the services offered to researchers.
The University Research Data Officer must have a proven record of collaborative approach, which will be necessary to engage various stakeholders across Harvard toward ensuring the long-term preservation and integrity of datasets and developing various processes and infrastructure. Specifically, the incumbent will work closely with:
- Harvard Library to develop and enhance data repositories, support new and emerging research data flows and services, and implement improvements to meet emerging requirements;
- The Office of the Vice Provost for Research, Research Computing, and Harvard Library to provide interventions for researchers on specific projects, as needed; and
- The research community broadly promotes best practice in research data management, encourage compliance with policies and funding body requirements, and raises awareness of the support available for researchers.
The University Research Data Officer will be expected to produce reports, presentations, and other communications as required on relevant topics for a multitude of audiences. S/he will undertake other duties and responsibilities as needed and will work in accordance with the University’s Equal Opportunities policy.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:
The incumbent must possess a thorough knowledge of the university research environment and an understanding of research data needs and management practices.
Experience working with research faculty and students to promote and support research data practices is necessary. The candidate will have excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a commitment to providing excellent customer service. Master’s or Ph.D. in computationally intensive field preferred, with direct experience in research data policies and implementation
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.
Job Function
General Administration
Sub Unit
Office of the President and Provost
Location
USA – MA – Cambridge
Department
OVPR/HUIT
Time Status
Full-time
Union
00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
Schedule
Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 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.
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