Research Data Steward

Requisition Id15926

Overview:

We are seeking a Research Data Steward to join the Data Science and Engineering for Nonproliferation group. The selected candidate will focus on the stewardship, curation, and modernization of research data and legacy records to ensure they are well-documented, trustworthy, and prepared for advanced analytics, modeling, and future computational use. The candidate will be part of a dynamic team within the National Security Sciences Directorate, working alongside experts in data science, statistics, nuclear engineering, and scientific computing to support high-impact research and mission-driven outcomes in nuclear nonproliferation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with project managers, subject matter experts, and researchers to steward research data and legacy document collections across the data lifecycle, from acquisition and documentation through preservation and reuse.
• Organize, curate, and enrich structured and unstructured datasets, including historical and legacy records, to improve data quality, provenance, discoverability, and readiness for computational analysis.
• Develop and apply metadata standards, documentation practices, and data management workflows that support reuse, reproducibility, and long-term value of research data for downstream analytics, modeling, algorithm development, and emerging data-driven methods.
• Contribute to R&D and mission delivery through data stewardship activities evidenced by successful project support, sponsor deliverables, internal and external documentation, and participation in technical initiatives.
• Exercise scientific and professional integrity in performing, documenting, and communicating data stewardship activities.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, procedures, and data governance requirements.
• Exemplify a commitment to excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and work cooperatively to leverage scientific capabilities across ORNL.
• Advance the reputation and standing of the group through professional engagement, community involvement, and contributions to data stewardship and research data management practices.
• Perform work activities in nuclear and/or radiological facilities/environments, as required.
• Ability to engage in domestic and international travel as required.

All team members deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Basic Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in information science, library science, data science, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience managing, curating, producing, or editing research data, digital collections, technical records, or patents.
• Experience supporting research, scientific, or technical projects in a collaborative environment.
• Experience documenting and communicating technical information to researchers, sponsors, or other stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently, outstanding written and oral communication skills, and strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of research data management practices, metadata standards, data lifecycle models, and digital preservation concepts.
• Familiarity with data or document collections related to nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, arms control, or the nuclear fuel cycle.
• Experience working with structured and unstructured data, including technical documents, reports, or historical datasets.
• Understanding of data quality, provenance, uncertainty, and limitations relate to downstream analytics and modeling.
• Experience working with DOE National Laboratories or similar R&D organizations.
• Experience engaging and working with federal sponsors directly.

Special Requirements:

• Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.