Research Data Management Specialist

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 56,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university seeks an experienced Research Data Management Specialist for their Algorithms, Prototyping, and Integration Department. The role involves maintaining data solutions, programming ETL processes, and integrating analytical tools. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of experience, with a focus on data automation and programming skills. This position is pivotal in supporting national security research initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years related experience required.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance preferred.
• Security+ certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and maintain data management solutions for research.
• Program and test automated ETL processes using industry-standard tools.
• Integrate analytical tools with data pipelines to solve research problems.

Skills

Data flow automation using NiFi

PostgreSQL

PostGIS

Python programming

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

ETL processes

FastAPI

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

+ CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday (https://www.myworkday.com/psu/d/inst/13102!CK5mGhIKBggDEMenAhIICgYI1A0Q1...) to complete the internal application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSha...). Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

+ CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSha...). Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

+ If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants (https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/Application_Process_for_External_Applications_Non-Penn_State_Employees_.pdf).

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

We are searching for a talented, experienced, and highly motivated Research Data Management Specialist to join our Algorithms, Prototyping and Integration (API) Department within the Communications, Information and Navigation Office (CINO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). You will assist in providing our customers with state-of-the-art visualization and decision support software solutions. This position will be located in either State College, Pennsylvania or Reston, Virginia and will report to the API Department Head.

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University serves as a national center of excellence for advanced capabilities in science and technology research. ARL provides technical innovations and solutions to real-world problems in national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life. As a designated University-Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARL Penn State maintains a strategic long-term relationship with DoD, supporting the nation with over 75 years of research in national security.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Evaluate, assemble, and maintain data and data management solutions for research teams
• Provide expertise and consultation related to data management processes including data retrieval, processing, storage, verification, and quality control
• Program and test automated data extraction, transformation, and load (ETL) processes and applications with industry-standard tools and technologies
• Integrate analytical tools with ETL data pipelines, addressing research problems posed by stakeholders and data science teams

This position can be filled at the Advanced Professional or Senior Professional level, depending on education and experience. Minimum requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience for the Advanced Professional level. Additional experience and/or education are required for higher levels.

Required skills/experience include:

• Data flow automation using NiFi
• PostgreSQL
• PostGIS
• Python programming expertise

Preferred skills/experience include:

• Python programming expertise
• FastAPI experience
• Security+ or similar certification
• Active TS/SCI security clearance

Your work location will be in State College, PA or Reston, VA.

ARL at Penn State is a leader in defense science, systems, and technologies, focusing on naval missions and related areas.

You will be subject to a government security investigation and must be a U.S. citizen. Employment requires a pre-employment drug screen.

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, believing it is central to our success as a UARC. We value diverse perspectives in our workforce.

For more information about ARL, visit www.arl.psu.edu.

Salary range: $56,200 - $102,300, which may be impacted by geographic location. See https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/compensation/staff-salary-grades-and... for details.

Campus security and crime statistics are available in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report at https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports.

Employment is contingent upon successful background checks and compliance with university policies.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer. For accommodations due to disability, contact 814-865-1473.

Additional legal and policy links are provided for transparency and compliance.