Principal Librarian: Metadata and Data Curation

Rhodes University; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 732,000 - 952,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhodes University Library Services seeks a Principal Librarian to lead metadata and data curation in South Africa. You will oversee metadata creation, ensure data integrity, and drive discoverability across research outputs and resources.

The role requires an Honours degree (NQF 8) or equivalent plus extensive metadata experience, and supervision/PM exposure. It is a permanent post with a competitive package. Closing date: 18 September 2026.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in Library and Information Science (NQF 8) or a 3-year degree plus 1-year Post-Graduate Diploma (NQF 8) in Library Science, Archival Science or Heritage Management plus ~8 years’ relevant experience.
• NACO trained (authority record creation).
• At least 3 years’ supervision experience.
• Familiar with XML, MODS, Dublin Core, and Marc Edit.
• Project management experience.
• Exposure to archives and/or research data curation and taxonomy development is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Identify and create knowledge structures and oversee metadata creation and maintenance.
• Ensure data integrity, data curation, accessibility, and discoverability for data assets.
• Lead a team of metadata specialists and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Metadata creation

Project management

Supervision

Education

Honours degree in Library and Information Science

Post-Graduate Diploma in Library Science/Archival Science/Heritage Management

Tools

XML

MODS

Dublin Core

Marc Edit

Job description

Principal Librarian: Metadata and Data Curation (Grade 15)

Library Services

The Library Services Divisioninvites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

Main Objectives

Identifies and creates appropriate knowledge structures, and oversees the creation, management, and maintenance of metadata within the Rhodes University Library Services.

This role plays a crucial part in ensuring data integrity, data curation, accessibility, and discoverability for various data assets, including research outputs, primary and secondary resources. The Metadata Curation Manager leads a team of metadata specialists and collaborates with cross-functional teams to support the organisation's data management and analysis efforts.

The Requirements

An Honours degree in Library and Information Science (NQF level 8) OR a 3-year Degree, plus a 1-year Post-Graduate Diploma (NQF level 8) in Library Science, Archival Science or Heritage Management plus approximately 8 years’ relevant experience where such experience includes:

• A minimum of 8 years’ experience in metadata creation in an academic and/or research library
• NACO trained (authority record creation)
• At least 3 years’ previous supervision experience.
• Familiar with XML, MODS, Dublin Core, and Marc Edit
• Project Management experience
• Previous exposure to archives and/or research data curation and taxonomy development will be an advantage

Remuneration per annum (Grade 15)

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R731 917

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R952 211

This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed‑term contract of not less than three years.

Closing Date: 18 September 2026

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.
Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.
Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are: Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.