Research Data Service (RDS) – Pre-Professional Graduate Assistantship - General Information

The Research Data Service (RDS) of the University Library has a 50% (20 hours/week) graduate assistant appointment available for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semester, possible for renewal. The graduate assistant (GA) is based in the University Main Library and supports the unit through outreach, education, and promotion of the Illinois Data Bank, the University of Illinois’ institutional data repository.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Maintain the web presence for Research Data Service
  • Assist in communication, marketing, and the creation of promotional materials for the Research Data Service including the educational newsletter, the Data Nudge, and Illinois Data Bank materials
  • Assist in the creation of original content
  • Assist in analysis to create visualizations (graphs, charts, etc.) for stakeholders upon request; analyze the website traffic
  • Assist in promoting datasets in the Illinois Data Bank across the University Library and campus
  • Participate in weekly meetings and other unit related meetings
  • Help design, deliver, and evaluate workshops
  • Perform assignments in a timely, courteous, and efficient manner with only moderate supervision
  • Perform accessibility tasks such as PDF remediation for Data Nudges and alternative texts for snapshots
  • Other relevant duties as assigned

Requirements:

  • Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in the MSLIS program at the School of Information Sciences (iSchool) at Illinois
  • Creative; detail-oriented; collaborative and comfortable working independently
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Curiosity and a desire to learn

Preferred: interest in research support, data curation, and data management is strongly preferred. Research experience a plus, but not required. Experience using statistical analysis software and programming languages, such as Excel, R, Python, or other software, is also a plus but not required.

Professional development opportunities:

  • Attend relevant webinars, data-related conferences, and presentations
  • Design own research or participate in departmental research projects
  • Customized graduate assistant experience to suit individual interests
  • Become familiar with standard research data management practices
  • Network with data specialists and affiliated departments across campus

Research indicates that applicants with marginalized identities are hesitant to apply for positions if they do not meet all the listed qualifications. We want to emphasize that although experience in certain areas is desirable, candidates who meet the required qualifications, demonstrate a desire to learn and grow, and a passion for service are encouraged to apply. On the job experience and skills will be taught. 

To apply: please send the following to Hoa Luong (hluong2@illinois.edu): cover letter, resume (or CV), and list of 3 references, all in 1 PDF document. Be sure to write the following in the subject line: RDS GA Job. NOTE: If your subject line contains anything else, it may not be sorted properly and so may not be reviewed. Inquiries about the position can also be directed to Hoa.

Deadline: please apply by March 31, 2024.