[Rdap] Job posting: Director sought to lead new NIST Office of Data and Informatics

[Avila, Regina L.]

I would like to bring your attention to a new position we are seeking to fill at NIST. 

The Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) is seeking a highly experienced and self-motivated individual to lead the new Office of Data and Informatics (ODI), at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  The ODI will be a premier, pioneering resource for researchers and institutions in the Materials, Chemical, and Biological sciences who need to leverage both large and information-rich data sets now common in many disciplines; who are faced with challenges of handling, archiving, storage, and analysis of such data; and who would transform such data into products that can be reliably and broadly shared and used for sophisticated scientific endeavors.  The ODI will support National needs such as the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) and biological and chemical data integration, as well as modernize current NIST reference data services for use in state-of-the-art computer paradigms (i.e., virtual computing, parallel analysis, interoperability, semantic web, etc.) and support the development of next generation NIST reference data services.  As a service-oriented organization, the ODI will add value to data activities by providing guidance, assistance and resources for optimizing the discoverability, usability, and interoperability of data products in ways that support NIST scientists and stakeholders. 

As a new position, the ODI Director will play many roles, including data steward for improving quality, evangelist for data sharing, technologist[TL1] , and strategic visionary for the creation of new data products. The Director will lead, manage resources, and conceive new programs and strategy for the ODI and the NIST Standard Reference Data Program.  Although there are elements of responsibility for data infrastructure, the role of the ODI Director is not to run a data center.  In addition to subject matter expertise in a traditional field of scientific study, ideal candidates will have training and experience with data science and delivery, combined with experience managing and sponsoring IT projects emphasizing scientific data, including web based applications, digital repositories, external collaboration with large data sets, and scientific database design and integration.

In this position, the Director provides strategic vision and program direction for the new office of approximately eight staff members including Ph.D. scientists with backgrounds in the information, physical and bio sciences. The office has significant potential for growth and the ODI Director will be expected to develop a vision for supporting the burgeoning data needs of MML and of NIST as a whole. 

More information and instructions for applying for this position can be obtained at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/355371300

The Job Announcement Number is NISTMML-2014-0009



____________________________________
Regina L. Avila
Digital Services Librarian
National Institute of Standards and Technology
301-975-3575