Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This position is funded for 3 year(s); continuation past 3 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Join the Research Data Stewardship Department as a Research Data Sharing and Repository Specialist, a central role in supporting Penn State researchers and ensuring institutional repository and data sharing services are researcher-centered, policy-aligned, and sustainable.
This position in the Pennsylvania State University Libraries provides strategic and operational leadership for ScholarSphere, a Penn State institutional repository, and associated research data sharing and curation services.
The Research Data Sharing and Repository Specialist serves as the product owner for ScholarSphere, leading repository strategy, service development, and day-to-day operations.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of data sharing and institutional repository services as well as contribute to university-wide efforts to advance open, reproducible research and long-term stewardship of research outputs.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Repository Strategy, Product Ownership, and Operations
Lead product ownership for ScholarSphere, setting priorities, roadmaps, workflows, and sustainability plans aligned with institutional goals and evolving data‑sharing requirements.
Translate researcher needs, policies, and program priorities into actionable service and technical requirements, using user testing and repository metrics to guide continuous improvement.
Collaborate with campus partners and external open‑scholarship communities, including the Data Curation Network, to maintain current, well‑aligned repository services and practices.
Data Curation, Metadata, and Preservation Services
Lead data curation and preservation for ScholarSphere, developing, documenting, and continuously improving workflows, standards, and policies.
Perform and oversee hands‑on curation of research outputs (e.g., data, code, documentation) and support long-term preservation.
In the curation of research outputs, ensure accessibility and compliance while enhancing FAIRness (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) and address technical and ethical risks (e.g., privacy, sensitive data, format sustainability)
Supervise data curation staff—including full‑time, part‑time, and student employees—by setting priorities, coordinating work, and supporting professional growth.
Researcher Consultation, Training, and Support
Consult with researchers on data preparation for publication, repository selection, metadata creation, web accessibility, compliance requirements, and budgeting for data sharing and preservation.
Develop and deliver training, documentation, and outreach to support effective, ethical, and reproducible research data sharing practices as well as use of ScholarSphere.
Build outstanding relationships with researchers and librarians to understand disciplinary workflows and tailor services accordingly.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have experience in at least one of the following:
Curation or preservation, such as organizing, maintaining, or preparing collections or works
Quality control work, where ensuring accuracy or compliance was a primary responsibility
User experience in a research setting, supporting researchers and helping improve research-related workflows
Additional Required Qualifications:
Experience leading or coordinating complex workflows and contributing to the development of standards, policies, or procedures
Experience collaborating with technical teams on software development or system enhancements (e.g., writing requirements, use cases, feature or issue requests)
Effective collaboration, communication, organizational, and project management skills
Ability to convey technical concepts to a variety of audiences
Experience developing and delivering training or instructional programming
Inclusive and respectful when working with others
·Preferred Qualifications (one or more):
Demonstrated experience with institutional or disciplinary repositories
Hands-on experience with research data curation
Familiarity with FAIR and CARE principles and the research data lifecycle
Knowledge of policies and best practices related to research data curation, management, and sharing
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
Application Information: Applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume/CV.
Additional Information:
This position will report to the Director of Research Data Stewardship.
The University Libraries is supportive of flexible work arrangements, such as remote or hybrid work opportunities, when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work and/or remote arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 - $81,500.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.