Transformation Lead, Research Data & FAIR Practice

The James Hutton Institute; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The James Hutton Institute is seeking a Transformation Lead for Research Data Management and FAIR Practice to turn ambitions into practical improvements. You’ll work with researchers, Library and IT specialists to deliver cross-disciplinary projects that advance data workflows, guidance and training.

Reporting to the Director of Digital Transformation, you’ll manage proposals, coordinate delivery, assess AI use for RDM, and ensure sustainable adoption.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering cross-functional, multi-team projects.
• Strong knowledge of RDM and FAIR principles.
• Experience applying AI tools to RDM with evidence.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Translate the RDM direction into practical project proposals with researchers and service owners, seeking the Director's agreement and necessary scope approvals, and coordinate delivery of the agreed projects.
• Manage agreed projects from discovery through implementation, adoption and handover to the operational owner.
• Work with researchers to understand processes, pain points and opportunities, translating these into practical requirements.
• Build effective project teams, including internal secondments, agreeing staff participation and responsibilities with line managers and sponsors.
• Co-develop RDM guidance, training and engagement with Library and Information Services.
• Identify, trial and evaluate practical AI tools for RDM with researchers and specialists, document benefits and safeguards.
• Identify and manage project risks and dependencies, reporting progress to sponsors and escalating decisions beyond the remit.
• Track outcomes and adoption as well as milestones and deliverables.
• Implement governance arrangements and confirm ownership, support and handover before go-live.
• Support learning across projects and promote reusable Institute-wide practice.

Skills

Project delivery

Facilitation

RDM

FAIR principles

AI for RDM

Communication

Collaboration

Requirements gathering

Education

Relevant degree

Job description

The James Hutton Institute is seeking a Transformation Lead for Research Data Management and FAIR Practice to turn ambitions into practical improvements. You’ll work with researchers, Library and IT specialists to deliver cross-disciplinary projects that advance data workflows, guidance and training.

Reporting to the Director of Digital Transformation, you’ll manage proposals, coordinate delivery, assess AI use for RDM, and ensure sustainable adoption.