RESEARCH DATA AND AI SPECIALIST

Code4lib; Norman, Northern (OK, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits Eligible

Job summary

The University of Oklahoma Libraries seeks a Research Data and AI Specialist to advance data services that support reproducible, AI-enabled research across the Libraries system. You will consult, instruct, and embed research support on data management, workflows, and responsible AI in collaboration with campus partners.

Responsibilities include advising on metadata standards, data sharing, and long-term stewardship; developing scalable services; and staying current with evolving AI and data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 84 months of related experience in lieu of degree.
• 36 months of experience in computer programming and analysis.
• Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience supporting computational, data-intensive, or research computing workflows.
• Experience applying data management principles (documentation, metadata, preservation, sharing).
• Experience using AI-enabled tools and machine learning concepts in research or education.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultations and instruction on data management, metadata, and reproducible workflows.
• Advise on data management plans and data sharing.
• Develop services for long-term stewardship of research outputs.
• Support responsible AI-enabled research workflows and open science initiatives.
• Collaborate with campus partners to expand data and AI literacy.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to strengthen research support.

Skills

Communication

Consulting

Research computing workflows

Data management principles

AI-enabled tools

Python

R

Git/GitHub

Metadata management

Learning experience design

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Data privacy & ethics

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Research support

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GitHub

Linux/Command Line

Cloud platforms

Job description

Salary: Targeted salary up to $72,000, depending on education and experience.

Created: August 31, 2026

Description

Benefits Eligible:Yes

Work Schedule:Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Travel:Not required

For Best Consideration Date:October 1, 2026

Position Introduction:

The University of Oklahoma Libraries seeks to recruit a Research Data and AI Specialist to advance research data services that support computational, reproducible, and AI-enabled research across the University Libraries system. As research increasingly relies on large, complex datasets and emerging computational methods, this position helps researchers manage, analyze, preserve, and responsibly use research data within computational and reproducible workflows. The Research Data and AI Specialist provides consultations, instruction, and embedded research support on research data management, computational and reproducible workflows, and the ethical application of artificial intelligence to research processes. Working collaboratively with Libraries and campus partners, the position scales services, cultivates data and AI literacy, and expands institutional capacity for responsible, transparent, reproducible, and sustainable research. Responsibilities include providing consultations and instruction; advising on data management plans, metadata standards, computational and reproducible research practices, and research data sharing; developing services that enable long‑term stewardship and access to research outputs; supporting responsible AI‑enabled research workflows; collaborating with campus partners to advance open science initiatives; and evaluating emerging technologies that strengthen research support across the university.

The successful candidate will be required to have the following skills and competencies:

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated experience consulting with researchers or clients on technical topics.
• Experience supporting computational, data-intensive, or research computing workflows.
• Experience applying research data management principles, including documentation, metadata, data organization, preservation, or data sharing.
• Experience using, evaluating, or supporting AI‑enabled tools, computational methods, or machine learning applications in research, education, or professional settings.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (Python and/or R) for data manipulation and analysis.
• Proficiency in Git/GitHub, research data repositories, and metadata management and documentation practices.
• Ability to listen to research needs and recommend appropriate solutions and develop scalable services and programs.
• Ability to design and deliver effective learning experiences for researchers with diverse technical backgrounds.
• Comfortable working across disciplines with varying data types and methodologies.
• Understanding research ethics, data privacy, and responsible AI use.
• Works effectively in team environments and builds cross‑functional partnerships.
• Stays current with rapidly evolving AI and data technologies.
• Analytical thinking with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges.
• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and the ability to learn emerging technologies while translating them into practical research applications.
• 36 months of experience in computer programming and analysis.

Equivalency/Substitution:Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree for a total of 84 months of related experience.

Department Preferences:

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience supporting computational and reproducible research workflows, high-performance computing, or cloud‑based research environments.
• Experience supporting researchers in the health sciences or other data‑intensive research disciplines.
• Knowledge of open science, reproducibility, and scholarly communication practices.
• Familiarity with AI ethics frameworks and responsible AI practices.
• Familiarity with institutional, governmental, or funding agency guidance related to AI use in research.
• Knowledge of discipline‑specific data standards and repositories.
• Experience developing and delivering training or workshops.
• Background in academic or research institution settings.
• Understanding grant funding requirements (e.g., NSF, NIH data management plans).
• Proficiency in Python and/or R, Linux/Command Line, Cloud research platforms, data wrangling and transformation, data visualization.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma:The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

Description

Benefits Eligible:Yes

Work Schedule:Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Travel:Not required

For Best Consideration Date:October 1, 2026

Position Introduction:

The University of Oklahoma Libraries seeks to recruit a Research Data and AI Specialist to advance research data services that support computational, reproducible, and AI-enabled research across the University Libraries system. As research increasingly relies on large, complex datasets and emerging computational methods, this position helps researchers manage, analyze, preserve, and responsibly use research data within computational and reproducible workflows. The Research Data and AI Specialist provides consultations, instruction, and embedded research support on research data management, computational and reproducible workflows, and the ethical application of artificial intelligence to research processes. Working collaboratively with Libraries and campus partners, the position scales services, cultivates data and AI literacy, and expands institutional capacity for responsible, transparent, reproducible, and sustainable research. Responsibilities include providing consultations and instruction; advising on data management plans, metadata standards, computational and reproducible research practices, and research data sharing; developing services that enable long‑term stewardship and access to research outputs; supporting responsible AI‑enabled research workflows; collaborating with campus partners to advance open science initiatives; and evaluating emerging technologies that strengthen research support across the university.

The successful candidate will be required to have the following skills and competencies:

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated experience consulting with researchers or clients on technical topics.
• Experience supporting computational, data-intensive, or research computing workflows.
• Experience applying research data management principles, including documentation, metadata, data organization, preservation, or data sharing.
• Experience using, evaluating, or supporting AI‑enabled tools, computational methods, or machine learning applications in research, education, or professional settings.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (Python and/or R) for data manipulation and analysis.
• Proficiency in Git/GitHub, research data repositories, and metadata management and documentation practices.
• Ability to listen to research needs and recommend appropriate solutions and develop scalable services and programs.
• Ability to design and deliver effective learning experiences for researchers with diverse technical backgrounds.
• Comfortable working across disciplines with varying data types and methodologies.
• Understanding research ethics, data privacy, and responsible AI use.
• Works effectively in team environments and builds cross‑functional partnerships.
• Stays current with rapidly evolving AI and data technologies.
• Analytical thinking with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges.
• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and the ability to learn emerging technologies while translating them into practical research applications.

View full job description

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 36 months of experience in computer programming and analysis.

Equivalency/Substitution:Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree for a total of 84 months of related experience.

Department Preferences:

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience supporting computational and reproducible research workflows, high-performance computing, or cloud‑based research environments.
• Experience supporting researchers in the health sciences or other data‑intensive research disciplines.
• Knowledge of open science, reproducibility, and scholarly communication practices.
• Familiarity with AI ethics frameworks and responsible AI practices.
• Familiarity with institutional, governmental, or funding agency guidance related to AI use in research.
• Knowledge of discipline‑specific data standards and repositories.
• Experience developing and delivering training or workshops.
• Background in academic or research institution settings.
• Understanding grant funding requirements (e.g., NSF, NIH data management plans).
• Proficiency in Python and/or R, Linux/Command Line, Cloud research platforms, data wrangling and transformation, data visualization.

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check:Yes

Norman Campus:If you are selected as a finalist for a position that supports the Norman Campus, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy .

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma:The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.