FedOSC Data Steward – Arts and Humanities
Your role and impact
As a Data Steward for the Federal Open Science Cloud (FedOSC), you will help federal scientific institutions (FSIs) improve FAIR research data management practices, enhance Open Data and develop strategic approaches to Open Science. You will focus specifically on supporting the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Royal Museums of Art and History, and the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage, while working as part of a broader team of Data Stewards who each bring specialized expertise from different scientific domains.
Your key responsibilities will include:
• Taking a coordinating role for all outputs on the Inventory Work Package related to the arts cluster;
• Creating a comprehensive inventory of existing digital research data and digital content systems within your designated institutions;
• Supporting each institution in understanding their current data management practices and developing strategic roadmaps for improvement;
• Working with researchers and staff to enhance the FAIRness (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, Reusability) of their research data;
• Collaborating with other data stewards to identify common needs and share best practices across all FSIs;
• Building awareness and capacity around Open Science practices within your designated institutions;
• Providing guidance on research data management tools and practices.
Your broader responsibilities as part of the FedOSC project team will include:
• Contributing to the collection, development and delivery of Open Science training materials and webinars;
• Supporting the formulation of Open Science policy recommendations based on international best practices and experiences within the FSIs;
• Participating in relevant international forums and networks to stay current with Open Science developments;
• Contributing to regular project reporting and strategic recommendations;
• Collaborating on shared deliverables such as documentation and guidelines;
• Participating in bi-weekly project team collaboration days;
The project
The Federal Open Science Cloud (FedOSC) project (www.belspo.be/fedosc) aims to enhance Open Science practices within the Belgian Federal Scientific Institutions. Through a comprehensive approach combining strategic guidance, technical infrastructure, and capacity building, the project works to improve research data management and sharing across the federal scientific landscape.
The project implements a coordinated strategy that:
• Helps federal scientific institutions develop their Open Science capabilities and data management practices;
• Creates centralised technical infrastructure and tools at Belnet to support research data management;
• Builds awareness and expertise around Open Science through training and knowledge sharing;
• Develops recommendations for sustainable Open Science policies at federal level.
As a data steward, you will regularly report on progress to the project's steering committee and contribute to quarterly monitoring reports for the Federal Open Science Strategic Committee, analysing both FedOSC developments and latest international Open Science trends. You will also support Belnet in developing and refining technical tools for the research community e.g. by participating in testing and providing user feedback on the new tools from an institutional perspective.
Your profile
You are a specialist in arts, cultural heritage, or humanities with an established track record in managing research data within your domain. You are analytically strong, able to document complex processes clearly, and have a natural affinity for knowledge sharing. Your understanding of Open Science principles and belief in their value drives you to help others advance their research data practices.
Educational Background
• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field of study in arts and humanities, such as art history, cultural heritage, museum studies, conservation science, or related domains.
Required Experience and Skills
• Experience in active participation in scientific research or research-oriented environment;
• Prior experience with research data management practices within your field of expertise.
Language Skills
• Professional proficiency in English (project working language);
• Professional proficiency in either Dutch or French is an asset.
Additional Assets
• Experience with digital collections or cultural heritage databases;
• Knowledge of metadata standards and practices in cultural heritage;
• Familiarity with data repositories and digital preservation;
• Experience with research data management tools and platforms;
• Understanding of the Belgian research landscape.
Required competencies
Generic Competencies (Federal Competence Model)
• Critical Thinking (Level 3): Putting information in a wider context and making strategic recommendations;
• Communication (Level 2): Share opinions and communicate appropriately;
• Cooperation (Level 2): Encourage collaboration and actively build professional relationships;
• Solution-orientation (Level 2): Implement solutions for continuous improvement.
Function-specific Competencies
• Research Data Management expertise, evaluated through:
o Knowledge of FAIR data principles and Open Data practices;
o Understanding of data management essentials;
o Strategic data management capabilities.;
What we offer
• A contract of 2 years in the federal scientific career, grade SW11;
• An autonomous and responsible function as a scientific data steward;;
• A dynamic working environment as a part of a multidisciplinary team of data stewards with regular collaboration days;
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements with up to 60% remote working possibilities;
• Choice of primary location of work between the Institute of Natural Sciences (Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Brussels) or Belnet (Simon Bolivarlaan 30, 1000 Brussels);
• Professional development budget and opportunities to refine your expertise;
• Opportunities to participation in international forums and conferences (EOSC, RDA, etc.);
• An Unique opportunity to shape the future of Open Science in Belgium;
• Lunch vouchers;
• Public transport subscription between your home and the chosen primary work place;
• Hospitalisation insurance.
Practical information
Selection Procedure
The selection will consist of:
1. CV and motivation letter screening ;
2. Interview with focus on both generic and technical competencies.
Application Process
• Send your motivation letter and CV by email to fedosc@belnet.be with "FedOSC Data Steward - Arts & Humanities" as reference.
• You must be a citizen of a member state of the European Economic Area or have an existing valid work permit within the European Economic Area to be considered.
• Be prepared to present a scan of your identity card/work permit, diploma and relevant work certificates upon being invited to the interview.
Additional information
• About the function content and context: FedOSC Project coordinator sam.kauranne@belnet.be
• About the selection procedure: hr@naturalsciences.be
Application deadline: 25 February 2025 at 12:00 Central European Time
Interview dates: 3 and 4 March 2025
Expected start date: 1 April 2025