Research Data Steward

Research Data Steward

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £52,907

Contract Type: Fixed-term contract (36 months)

Hours: Full time/Part Time (minimum of 30 hours a week)

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE OR Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington, WA4 4AD

Closing date for applications is: 28th October 2026

We have a new opportunity for a data steward to join the Open Science theme in STFC. You will join our multi-disciplinary, diverse and inclusive team of information professionals and data stewards contributing to the delivery of services and systems which make data intensive research possible, discovering and delivering tools, practices and systems.

As part of the Open Science Theme, you will work within your management chain to define a portfolio of responsibilities and develop and maintain areas of specialism. The primary focus of the role will be to support the Physical Sciences Data Infrastructure (PSDI). PSDI is a digital infrastructure providing access to tools, services, data and guidance to support UK researchers.

In this role you will work closely with the project collaborators and the PSDI user community to maintain and evolve the data resources available. Data services include the PSDI Data Communities including an open repository for curated datasets, subscribed to and openly licenced data sources.

To be successful you should understand the research data lifecycle, management and curation of research data, including the FAIR data principles and practices to implement the principles. You should also have an understanding of researcher needs and want to work closely with them to explore those needs. You will engage with a range of stakeholders including PSDI project team based in STFC and the University of Southampton, as well as users of and contributors to the PSDI data resources and community collections.

Responsibilities will include:

• Working with PSDI partners to encourage and embed the adoption of best practice data management techniques, metadata standards, FAIR data principles, and Open Science values.

• Liaising with stakeholders, including the PSDI metadata lead, the data communities technical lead and data community researchers to ensure the data communities are developed to meet the needs of the physical sciences community and demonstrate best practice in research data management. For example development of guidance and overseeing quality assurance to ensure guidance is followed and applied.

• Developing and maintaining technical and domain specialisms, to further develop the PSDI data communities whilst delivering specialist advice and guidance.

• Working with PSDI partners to on board new data communities, managing relationships and community needs.

• Participating in community forums to share best practices and standards; for example, setting up and managing a PSDI data community user forum.

Essential criteria

The following will be assessed at shortlisting (S) or interview (I)

• Experience of research data management practices and tools, including repositories and catalogues, to support data curation and sharing. (S&I)

• Knowledge of FAIR principles and experience in leading and delivering solutions, including translating FAIR principles into practice. (S&I)

• Ability to work collaboratively and as part of team, both in-person and remotely. (S&I)

• Experience of working with technical and scientific metadata, including setting and monitoring local implementation of relevant standards and best practice. (S&I)

• Track record in responsibility for the delivery of project outputs. (S&I)

• Familiarity with and commitment to the aims of Open Science. (S&I)

• A degree or equivalent in information science, computer science, physical sciences or a related field OR relevant work experience. (S)

The post will require occasional travel with overnight stays for project meetings and training.

Any other Relevant Information

Posts can be based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire or Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire, flexible working options are available.

Skill development is encouraged within individual learning and development plans.

Employee Benefits

We are offering a three-year fixed-term position, with the expectation of an extension and a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days’ holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).

• Flexible working hours.

• Employee shopping/travel discounts.

• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are invested in creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive of all, to help us achieve the highest possible standards in our work and organisation together. In this regard, we encourage applications from under-represented groups.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible.

Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the Recruitment Policy and associated guidance for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your line manager and the designated HR team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place. 

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee, and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact [email protected]. 

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.