Research Data Steward

Research Data Steward

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £52,907

Contract Type: Fixed-term contract (36 months)

Hours: Full time/Part Time (minimum of 30 hours a week)

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE OR Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington, WA4 4AD

Closing date for applications is: 28th October 2026

We have a new opportunity for a data steward to join the Open Science theme in STFC. You will join our multi-disciplinary, diverse and inclusive team of information professionals and data stewards contributing to the delivery of services and systems which make data intensive research possible, discovering and delivering tools, practices and systems.

As part of the Open Science Theme, you will work within your management chain to define a portfolio of responsibilities and develop and maintain areas of specialism. The primary focus of the role will be to support the Physical Sciences Data Infrastructure (PSDI). PSDI is a digital infrastructure providing access to tools, services, data and guidance to support UK researchers.

In this role you will work closely with the project collaborators and the PSDI user community to maintain and evolve the data resources available. Data services include the PSDI Data Communities including an open repository for curated datasets, subscribed to and openly licenced data sources.

To be successful you should understand the research data lifecycle, management and curation of research data, including the FAIR data principles and practices to implement the principles. You should also have an understanding of researcher needs and want to work closely with them to explore those needs. You will engage with a range of stakeholders including PSDI project team based in STFC and the University of Southampton, as well as users of and contributors to the PSDI data resources and community collections.

Responsibilities will include:

• Working with PSDI partners to encourage and embed the adoption of best practice data management techniques, metadata standards, FAIR data principles, and Open Science values.

• Liaising with stakeholders, including the PSDI metadata lead, the data communities technical lead and data community researchers to ensure the data communities are developed to meet the needs of the physical sciences community and demonstrate best practice in research data management. For example development of guidance and overseeing quality assurance to ensure guidance is followed and applied.

• Developing and maintaining technical and domain specialisms, to further develop the PSDI data communities whilst delivering specialist advice and guidance.

• Working with PSDI partners to on board new data communities, managing relationships and community needs.

• Participating in community forums to share best practices and standards; for example, setting up and managing a PSDI data community user forum.

Essential criteria

The following will be assessed at shortlisting (S) or interview (I)

• Experience of research data management practices and tools, including repositories and catalogues, to support data curation and sharing. (S&I)

• Knowledge of FAIR principles and experience in leading and delivering solutions, including translating FAIR principles into practice. (S&I)

• Ability to work collaboratively and as part of team, both in-person and remotely. (S&I)

• Experience of working with technical and scientific metadata, including setting and monitoring local implementation of relevant standards and best practice. (S&I)

• Track record in responsibility for the delivery of project outputs.(S&I)

• Familiarity with and commitment to the aims of Open Science. (S&I)

• A degree or equivalent in information science, computer science, physical sciences or a related field OR relevant work experience. (S)

The post will require occasional travel with overnight stays for project meetings and training.

Any other Relevant Information

Posts can be based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire or Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire, flexible working options are available.

Skill development is encouraged within individual learning and development plans.

Employee Benefits

We are offering a three-year fixed-term position, with the expectation of an extension and a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days’ holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).

• Flexible working hours.

• Employee shopping/travel discounts.

• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are invested in creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive of all, to help us achieve the highest possible standards in our work and organisation together. In this regard, we encourage applications from under-represented groups.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible.

Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the Recruitment Policy and associated guidance for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your line manager and the designated HR team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place.

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee, and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.