Digital Collection Systems Specialist Uk Visa Sponsorship

Job Description

Job Title: Digital Collections & Discovery Systems Developer

Job Purpose
The role is responsible for developing and maintaining digital collections and discovery applications to support the University’s research and educational goals. This includes enhancing existing systems, advising on suitable solutions, designing and developing new functionalities or features, and providing operational support across all library and related systems. The position will focus particularly on Archives & Special Collections’ collection management systems, collection discovery applications, and digital preservation solutions.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Contribute to the technical development of key digital services by collaborating with the Head of Collections Discovery & Systems and liaising with IT Services to ensure the infrastructure supports these services.
2. Support the maintenance and development of Library Collections systems, including collection management, discovery, and preservation systems, ensuring they reflect sector-leading functionality and stay at the forefront of global digital archive and collection innovations.
3. Work with the Digital Library Team and across Information Services to develop front-end solutions and assist with the creation of new system integrations with third-party services or APIs, while maintaining existing integrations.
4. Undertake configuration changes to systems that may impact multiple functional areas or teams, requiring in-depth system knowledge for safe execution.
5. Collaborate with colleagues in the Digital Library Team to implement coordinated improvements to the Library’s digital services and support the implementation of digital preservation workflows and system integrations.
6. Assist the Head of Collections Discovery & Systems in investigating, consulting on, and implementing new technical solutions that leverage data from collection and archive systems, ensuring seamless capture, discovery, and access.
7. Ensure optimum service continuity and uptime by enabling business-as-usual cybersecurity measures across relevant systems.
8. Monitor the efficacy of collection discovery services, identifying and addressing issues related to data quality, system performance, and search agent interactions.
9. Support continuous improvement of accessibility across services to ensure equitable access to content, making technical interventions where necessary.
10. Regularly review and evaluate new developments in the Higher Education and cultural heritage sectors regarding digital collections, archives, and discovery services. Provide informed recommendations to senior colleagues on new services and potential development opportunities.
11. Participate in external working groups, share expertise, contribute to open-source solutions via Git repositories, and demonstrate commitment to open software communities.
12. Demonstrate a commitment to personal development and continuous learning, particularly in the development of technical skills and knowledge.
13. Undertake prioritized projects to support Library Collections’ activities in alignment with the Information Services strategic plan and the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:

• A strong track record of demonstrating the competencies needed for this level of role, gained through experience in similar roles. Alternatively, a relevant degree or equivalent qualification, with experience in a similar or related role(s).
• Understanding of metadata schema, data exchange, and semantic interoperability issues.
• Knowledge of the Higher Education or cultural heritage sectors, and IT expectations in large organizations.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of API integrations to enhance end-user services.
• Familiarity with library collection and archival metadata schema, such as Dublin Core, EAD, ISAD(G), MARC21/MARCXML.
• Knowledge of technical protocols such as OAI-PMH and data frameworks like Linked Open Data.
• Professional understanding of digital preservation principles and systems.

Skills
Essential:

• Proficiency in several high-level programming languages, web technologies, and data serializations (e.g., Python, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, XML, XSLT, JSON, RDF, MySQL/MariaDB), with the ability to learn new web technologies as needed.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and adapt creatively.
• Excellent IT skills, including system management, data, and systems integration.
• Ability to develop systems methodically, using version control tools like Git.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, working effectively with team members, technical support staff, academic colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Ability to innovate and apply knowledge to improve service provision.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage workloads effectively.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Confidence in making informed decisions quickly when critical IT issues arise.

Experience
Essential:

• Proven experience in maintaining and developing information systems, content management frameworks, or digital asset management systems.
• Experience in developing solutions within a customer-focused environment with diverse user needs.
• Experience in gathering requirements from users to inform system design and implementing technical standards.
• Strong experience liaising with multiple stakeholder groups and cultivating professional relationships.
• Experience in project planning and meeting deliverables and timelines.
• Experience working with open-source development teams and/or negotiating with system suppliers to deliver new functionalities or services.
• Experience deploying web technologies and programming within cultural heritage or research information system contexts.

Desirable:

• Experience maintaining and developing digital archive software.
• Experience working with digital repository platforms to deliver digital content to users.

Terms and Conditions

• Salary: Grade 7, £40,247 – £45,163 per annum
• Full-time: 35 hours per week
• Contract: Open-ended

The University of Glasgow requires that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements for this visa route in order to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points are available. For more information, visit: Skilled Worker Visa.