University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Job Description

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for an Information Specialist in the College of Communication and Information (CCI)’s Research and Innovation Center.

Position Summary: The World Data System International Program Office (WDS-IPO) seeks an Information Specialist to lead activities with internal and external stakeholders in gathering, creating, curating, and disseminating information pertaining to data, data repositories, and data services. Job duties include researching, compiling, and writing information-based deliverables, answering member data repository questions, meeting the information needs of stakeholders, developing creative solutions to share information both in writing and through outreach, as well as monthly and annual reporting. Preferred candidates will have proven working knowledge of WordPress, be familiar with reference management software (Zotero, EndNote, etc.), have experience in scientific writing or scholarly publication and have knowledge of the data management landscape. This position will be a full-time employee of the University of Tennessee and reports to the WDS-IPO Executive Director.

Responsibilities

Write original material including white papers, fact sheets, and contributions to journal articles for scientists, data curators, data engineers, funders and the general scientific community. Items will be published either online on the WDS website, in a peer reviewed journal, or housed in an online repository supporting open science (i.e., UT TRACE, OSTI, Dryad, Zenodo)

• Develop, write and implement series of white papers on topics of interest to data repositories and their users including scientists who deposit data, scientists who reuse data, and federal agencies. Examples could include but are not limited to: technological options for data repositories including hardware, cloud storage, software choices, metadata standards, local and federal data policies impacting data repositories
• Create and track deliverable production schedules to ensure deadlines are met
• Perform literature reviews to support WDS research efforts
• Create infographics to include but are not limited to processes to support internal WDS teams, statistical and information infographics to tell the story of data depositors and data users, and those that maintain data repositories (engineers, data curators, project managers) as well as geographical and network maps to highlight where information is coming from
• Create and track metrics, create monthly and annual reports on WDS material usage
• Assist in the investigation, acquisition, organization, and/or dissemination of all types of materials
• Find, synthesize, organize, publish and curate information pertaining to data repositories, data systems and the data landscape to share with WDS membership, WDS staff, and the WDS Scientific Committee to help them make decisions and follow best practices in setting up and running a data repository
• Perform complex reference and resource services as required related to data repositories including identification and curation of resources of interest to the WDS Scientific Committee and WDS members including but not limited to peer reviewed literature on data repository and data adjacent organizations, data repository standards and certification, principles and best practices for data repositories as well as funding opportunities to share with members
• Identify/manage external clients/partners in person and virtual outreach opportunities
• Develop and implement creative solutions to sharing information with stakeholders
• Write and design abstracts, posters, talking points, presentations and other outreach tools as assigned
• Measure and track outreach, providing monthly and annual reporting on efforts using bibliometric tools
• Fulfill information needs of WDS staff, Scientific Committee and organizational members as requested including questions on recommended data repositories by subject area, metadata schema best fits, funding possibilities
• Collaborate with team members and WDS partners to find answers and resolve information needs of these stakeholders
• Resolve issues independently and refer unprecedented issues to a higher level

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in information science, communication, business
• Minimum of 2 years of experience with developing information for the technical and non-technical audience, to include written and verbal communication, data information management, writing for technical non-technical audiences
• Knowledge of research methods and tools such as online databases, web-based resources and other reference sources
• Understanding and experience in knowledge management
• Project management skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent customer service skills Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work on a team
• Ability to respond to feedback in a timely manner
• Ability to virtually attend meetings in various timezones

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in information science, communication, business
• Proven working knowledge of WordPress
• Experience with Zotero, EndNote or other reference management software
• Experience in scientific writing or scholarly publication
• Knowledge of the data management landscape

Work Location: Oak Ridge, TN

Compensation and Benefits: The anticipated starting salary for this position is approximately $50,000 depending on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and suitability.

Application Process: Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled. For full consideration, applicants must provide a letter of interest, resume, and a minimum of three professional references. Please include your references as an attached document, as the application does not have a dedicated section for them. All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position.

About Us:

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!