Head of Research Data Management Facility

ETH Zürich; Basel; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transport subscriptions

Car sharing

Childcare options

Pension benefits

Job summary

ETH Zurich’s Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering seeks a head of the Research Data Management Facility to establish and lead the new unit. You will shape the RDM strategy, identify needs with research groups, and deliver sustainable, FAIR-compliant software solutions in a cross-disciplinary environment.

You will manage a small team, collaborate with IT, governance, and research units, and represent the unit in ETH networks and national/international RDM communities.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant field with research background.
• Several years of experience in research data management.
• Strong knowledge of FAIR principles and open science standards.
• Experience designing and managing complex software projects.
• Excellent communication and leadership qualities.

Responsibilities

• Establish the RDM unit and develop it strategically.
• Define and prioritize the departmental RDM strategy in line with ETH-wide developments.
• Identify needs with research groups and translate into viable system solutions.
• Design, plan, and manage software projects from requirements to budget.
• Ensure RDM systems are FAIR-compliant, secure, and sustainable.
• Participate in design, prototyping, and development of RDM infrastructures (open source preferred).
• Roll out and reliably operate systems with the departmental IT Facility.
• Build and lead a small specialized team and promote internal competencies.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Independence

Decision making

English proficiency

German language knowledge

Education

PhD in natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or comparable fields

Tools

Open source technologies

Software project management

Job description

Would you like to not only manage research data, but also actively shape the future of research data management (RDM)? Do you think strategically, act with technical expertise, and move confidently between research, IT, and governance? Then join us as head of the Research Data Management unit and build a forward-looking infrastructure for excellent research.

The Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) at ETH Zurich in Baselis looking for a head for the new departmental Research Data Management Facility to start immediately or by agreement.

Job description

You will take on responsibility – strategically, technically, and organizationally:

• You will establish the RDM unit and develop it strategically.
• In doing so, you will define and prioritize the departmental RDM strategy in line with ETH-wide as well as national and international developments.
• Together with research groups, you will identify specific needs and translate them into viable, sustainable system solutions.
• In addition, you will design, plan, and manage software projects from requirements engineering and stakeholder management to budget responsibility.
• You will ensure that the RDM systems used are FAIR-compliant, secure, efficient, and operated in a sustainable manner over the long term.
• Furthermore, you will actively participate in the design, prototyping, and further development of RDM infrastructures, preferably based on open source technologies.
• Together with the departmental IT Facility, you will be responsible for the rollout and reliable operation of the systems.
• You will build a small, specialized team and manage it both professionally and personally, promoting the targeted further development of the team's internal competencies.

Finally, you will represent and position the unit visibly within the ETH environment and in national and international RDM networks.

Profile

• PhD in natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or comparable fields
• Several years of experience in research data management
• In-depth knowledge of FAIR principles, open science standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g.data security)
• Experience in designing and managing complex software projects
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate visions into concrete projects
• Management experience or strong leadership potential
• Excellent communication skills and enjoyment of interdisciplinary collaboration
• High degree of independence, decisiveness, and sense of responsibility
• Very good English skills; German skills are an advantage

We offer

Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
Creative freedom: You will take on a visible position with a high degree of personal responsibility and lasting impact.
Interdisciplinary environment: You will work closely with leading research groups and internal and external partners, actively helping to shape modern open science infrastructures.

Attractive employment conditions:

• Numerous benefits, e.g.public transport subscriptions and car sharing
• Childcare options
• Attractive pension benefits

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

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About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.