Institute:Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
Section:Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Geophysics Section
Research Centre:SFI Research Centre in Applied Geosciences (iCRAG)

Post Duration:24 months
Research Project:iCRAG_Phase2
Reports to / Principal Investigator:Dr Jennifer Craig (and/or nominee)
HR Administrator: Mary Buke (mburke@cp.dias.ie)

Position Summary:
The iCRAG research centre is currently seeking a Data Manager to manage implementation, maintenance and refinement of data management practices across the Centre.

iCRAG is the world leading SFI Research Centre in Applied Geosciences and comprises of 150 researchers across eight universities and institutions including UCD, TCD, NUIG, UCC, DIAS, Teagasc, GSI and MU. Supported by Science Foundation Ireland and a wide range of domestic and international industry partners, iCRAG brings together a diverse team of researchers representing the full geosciences spectrum, working together to create solutions for a sustainable society. For further information, please visit: www.icrag-centre.org

Although working across the multi-institution iCRAG consortium, the position will be primarily based at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) Geophysics Section in Dublin city centre, with some secondments to other locations and institutes within the iCRAG network, particularly University College Dublin (UCD). DIAS is a government funded Research Institute and hosts certain national data, infrastructure and equipment pools. It operates the Irish National Seismic Network, www.INSN.ie in collaboration with the Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) and hosts both www.iMARL.ie a national Marine equipment pool and a large mobile seismic & magneto-telluric terrestrial instrument pool. DIAS also has strong collaboration with ICHEC, the Irish Centre for High End Computing.

Due to the nature of the research being undertaken in DIAS, our researchers engage in big data projects and analysis in their daily work, defining the day-to-day working environment for the iCRAG Data Manager. 

iCRAG is seeking an expert in data management to work with research leaders and Centre management in order to ensure that the significant volume and diverse range of data (geological, geophysical, geochemical, environmental, statistical) produced by the Centre is stored in line with best practices and facilitates open access to both internal (centre researchers) and external (the publics) stakeholders.

The role will include the opportunity to design, develop and establish a centralised data infrastructure, implementing procedures and protocols in line with best practice and compliance standards.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the maintenance of all Centre data as well as management and development of suitable database infrastructures. In consultation with researchers, the post holder will also work to prepare, implement and monitor metadata and research data structures, including the registration of persistent identifiers for data sets and upkeep of catalogues of external database links. The Data Manager will hold responsibility for informing and monitoring data management practices of researchers across the Centre. They will work with iCRAG’s IT Manager to oversee the maintenance of documentation for the use of iCRAG’s platforms and servers as part of the centralised data management system.

The Data Manager may be asked to support other aspects of the iCRAG’s work when relevant and the appointee will be expected to have a flexible approach in this regard.

Salary Range:  €55,811-€60,814per annum*

* Salary offered will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
•Technical and administrative maintenance of all iCRAG data in close cooperation with iCRAG’s institutions and     researchers at all necessary levels.
•Development, refinement and management of a centralised data infrastructure to support data management across the Centre.
•Management and further development of iCRAG database features in close cooperation with the participating  researchers.
•Preparation of metadata and research data structures in accordance with FAIR principles.
•Structuring and standardization of metadata, research data, and variables as a basis for interoperability curation of research data and     
 metadata to be imported.
•Management of accessibility of data to both internal and external stakeholders. For internal stakeholders, this will require compilation and management of a catalogue of links to external databases holding iCRAG generated data in national or international repositories (e.g. Marine Institute, GSI, PANGAEA, BCO-DMO, Orfeus, EPOS etc). For external stakeholders, this will include registration and assignment of “Persistent Identifiers” (DOIs) for data sets.
•Consulting with and providing support to researchers via the centralised data system in handling and managing their research data within the        entire data lifecycle (collection, storage, research, integration, publication) as well as the use of the iCRAG data platforms.
•Updating the documentation for the use of the iCRAG platforms and servers via the centralised system.
•Liaising with relevant Centre stakeholders nationally and internationally, ensuring needs of both internal and external stakeholders are met effectively, in line with best practices and quality standards.

Selection Criteria: 
Selection criteria outline the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would need to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post.   Applications will be assessed on the basis of how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

Mandatory:
•Third level degree
•At least 2 years experience in relevant management of data systems and infrastructure.
•Experience in a research environment, preferably in geosciences.
•Advanced knowledge of research data management (e.g., metadata standards and best practice, legal aspects, data publishing).
•Broad experience in programming languages and platforms (e.g., SQL, Python, R, C Sharp, BASH).
•Scientific understanding of projects, data analysis, metadata requirements and database software and database software (eg., BEXIS, SQL, R).
•Experience in real time data capture.
•Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience working with project partners and researchers about their data, metadata and
 data publications.
•Excellent presentation and writing skills with a proven ability to disseminate complex requirements into accessible formats.

Desirable:
•General knowledge of the earth sciences.
•Knowledge of national and international geoscience/earth science databases and catalogues.
•Familiarity of standard practices and procedures of data management in the third-level education sector in Ireland, preferably in the geoscience spectrum.

Further Information for Candidates:
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at DIAS

The Institute recognises the right of all who work and attend at DIAS premises to be treated with dignity and respect. DIAS is committed to implementing and promoting measures to protect the dignity of our community within DIAS, and to encouraging respect for others. This is achieved by creating a work environment that is free from racism and harassment of any form and that facilitates an atmosphere of respect, openness, safety and equality. DIAS is an equal opportunities employer which embraces diversity and promotes employment equality.

Our DIAS Gender Equality and Inclusion Action Plan may be found here:
DIAS Gender Equality and Inclusion Action Plan

Supplementary information:
The Institute: https://www.dias.ie/
The Section: https://www.dias.ie/cosmicphysics/geophysics/

Relocation Expenses:
X          Will not apply

0 Will be applied

Garda Vetting required:
X   NO

0  YES

Informal Enquiries ONLY to:
Please note this section is optional. Applications will be addressed to an assigned HR administrator.

Name: Dr Jennifer Craig
Title:   Chief Operations Officer
Email address: jennifer.craig@icrag-centre.org
Telephone: 00353-01-716-2940

Application Procedure:
Applications should be submitted through the DIAS online e-recruitment system by 15 April 2022: https://dias.ie/applyicragdatamanager