Research Data Steward(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Who We Are

The UCL Centre for Advanced Research Computing (ARC) is UCL’s flagship institute advancing digital research infrastructure and innovation. ARC combines dependable professional services with cutting-edge experimental work in computational science and digital scholarship. We support research groups across disciplines by providing secure infrastructure, high-performance computing, big data services and specialist expertise.

ARC is a community of data scientists, research software engineers, systems engineers, data engineers, and stewards — all collaborating to enable world-leading research.

Role Overview

As a Research Data Steward, you will play a pivotal role in supporting researchers throughout the lifecycle of their data — from creation and organisation to long-term preservation and sharing. Your focus will be on ensuring that research data is curated, discoverable, and reusable in line with modern best practices and data policies.

You will help researchers comply with standards such as the FAIR data principles — Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable — which are increasingly expected by funders and institutions alike.Learn about FAIR data principles (UK Data Service)

This role is well suited to someone passionate about data management, policy, communication, and research support.

Key Responsibilities

Data Support & Consultancy

Provide expert advice on research data management planning, sharing strategies, metadata, and documentation.

Help researchers understand technical standards and institutional requirements, explaining concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Assist research teams in preparing data management plans and aligning them with funders’ expectations.

Data Quality & Stewardship

• Aid in implementing best practices for data organisation, storage, archival and access.
• Support FAIR-aligned data practices which improve data discoverability and reuse in interdisciplinary research contexts.
• Contribute to ARC’s ongoing development of infrastructure and tools that support sustainable and secure data workflows.

Community Engagement & Training

• Engage with researchers in priority areas such as social sciences, digital humanities, and climate science — although expertise from all disciplines is welcome.
• Develop and deliver training, workshops, and resource materials to improve data literacy and stewardship skills across UCL.

Technical & Personal Skills

We are interested in candidates with a blend of technical know-how and the ability to communicate effectively:

Preferred technical experience (not all required):

• Programming skills (e.g., Python)
• Experience with databases and query languages (e.g., SQL, SPARQL)
• Familiarity with cloud computing environments
• Awareness of data standards and metadata schemas

Personal Attributes:

• Enthusiasm for learning and professional growth
• Strong interpersonal skills — able to explain complex ideas to diverse audiences
• Well-organised with attention to detail

Why This Role Matters

Research data is increasingly recognised as a strategic asset. Governments and research funders are raising expectations for data sharing and quality, to maximise the reproducibility, transparency and social value of research outputs. UKRI — the UK’s principal research funding body — is developing a new framework to streamline expectations around research data management, promoting open and FAIR practices across disciplines.UKRI research data policy development overview

Effective data stewardship also supports compliance with data protection laws, including principles of lawful and secure processing under UK GDPR and evolving data legislation.Data protection principles guidance (ICO)

Eligibility & Visa Sponsorship

This position meets the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa or Global Talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration rules, making it suitable for international applicants requiring sponsorship.UK Visas and Immigration service guidance (GOV.UK)

Please note that UK immigration rules have been subject to updates over recent years, affecting skilled worker thresholds and requirements. Prospective applicants should consult the latest official guidance before applying.

Benefits & Rewards

UCL offers a range of excellent benefits to support your professional and personal wellbeing, such as:

• 41 days’ holiday including bank holidays and closure days
• Competitive pension scheme
• Cycle-to-work and season ticket loan schemes
• Enhanced parental leave benefits
• On-site gym and nursery facilities
• Staff support services and optional benefits
• Find more about UCL’s total reward and benefits package on the official UCL site.

Equal Opportunities & Inclusion

UCL is committed to fostering diversity and equity. We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including:

• People from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds
• Disabled people
• LGBTQ+ applicants
• Women (particularly for senior grades)

We welcome applicants who subscribe to our values of fairness, inclusion, and innovation.