ODISSEI is the national infrastructure for social science research in the Netherlands. It is a rapidly growing consortium of 40 member organizations who work together to improve the digital, research infrastructure in the social sciences. The data infrastructure includes a supercomputer, data collection, and support for new technologies. For more information, please see: www.odissei-data.nl.

ODISSEI brings together an eclectic range of linkable data including administrative data, survey data, web data, and media data. By linking these data together in state-of-the-art analytical environments, researchers are able to answer new, ground-breaking questions. Because of this, ODISSEI has a wide range of diverse users, including leading scientists working at the cutting edge of social research.

The ODISSEI Hub, based at Erasmus University Rotterdam, supports researchers throughout the research lifecycle. As ODISSEI data manager (0,8-1,0 FTE) you would be responsible for improving and implementing ODISSEI’s User Policy (https://odissei-data.nl/en/odissei-user-policy/).

Your main job is helping ODISSEI researchers and ODISSEI data providers, jointly referred to as users, make their research outputs FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable). The FAIR principles are central to help ODISSEI develop an active, vibrant and successful community. You will work with users in all stages of their research process, specifically data collection, data cleaning and data archiving.

You identify the needs of users regarding implementing FAIR, test the actual FAIR implementation against the formulated policy and determine whether the policy is compliant.

In Europe, ODISSEI takes a leading role in creating a FAIR implementation community, including setting up new metadata standards. That is why as a data manager you are also the linchpin between the developers of these standards and the data providers and researchers who have to apply these standards. Because of your work with the data providers and researchers, you are perfectly able to advise the developers of the new standards.

The position is new and therefore includes significant freedom and flexibility in how the responsibilities are executed. Working hours and location are flexible and can be planned in consultation with the Operations Manager, to whom the data manager is accountable.

For your work (naturally if corona permits), you will visit the users throughout the Netherlands a few days a week to collaborate and to educate. Travel costs are reimbursed on the basis of public transport, second class. You will work closely with experts at ODISSEI membership organizations such as SURF, CBS, and DANS to ensure that projects using ODISSEI facilities implement FAIR data workflows.

You are independent and self-motivated, with the ability to work flexibly in a team. You are able to communicate well with various levels of seniority and work constructively towards shared goals. You are analytically strong, client focused, diplomatic, and trusted.

You understand at least the basics of programming and have experience with programming or statistical software. 

Preferable, you also have a experience with data management and working with the FAIR principles.

You have completed higher education (preferably a research master) and have knowledge of and experience in the academic field, preferably in the social sciences.

You have professional verbal and written command of English (C2 level CEFR or comparable).

An internationally oriented and varied job in an enthusiastic team, with good working conditions in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The successful candidate will be offered a two year contract, which can be extended/converted to a permanent contract in case of a positive assessment. The salary is dependent on the candidate’s knowledge and experience, with a minimum of € 2790,- and maximum of € 3746,- gross per month, on a fulltime basis. EUR offers excellent benefits, including 8% holiday allowance, an end-of-year payment of 8.3%, a very generous leave scheme. Furthermore, EUR is affiliated with ABP for the pension provision and we offer partially paid parental leave. Employees can also use EUR facilities, such as the Erasmus sports center and the University library.

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is an internationally oriented university with a strong social orientation in its education and research. Our scientists and students work in close collaboration with internal and external parties to solve global, social challenges, inspired by the always dynamic and cosmopolitan Rotterdam. Our mission is therefore "Creating positive societal impact". Our academic education is intensive, active and application-oriented. Our research increasingly takes place in multidisciplinary teams, which are strongly intertwined with international networks. With our research impact and thanks to the high quality of education, EUR can compete with the top European universities. The Erasmian values ​​function as our internal compass and make Erasmus University recognizable to the outside world: engaged with society, world citizen, connecting, entrepreneurial and open-minded.

Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB)

The Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences knows a great variety of scientific disciplines: public administration, pedagogical science, psychology, and sociology. The Erasmus University College (ERC), HIS, and two research institutes, RISBO and DRIFT, are also connected to the faculty. This great variety can also be seen in our (international) bachelor- and master programmes, and in our research. The activities of the faculty are always aimed at people and society. At ESSB fundamental internationally oriented research is a high priority. Research In support of professionals, policy, and society is also included in our research activities. The faculty offers a stimulating research climate, bringing in important national and international research grants. Engaging visiting scholars from inside and outside the Netherlands work here for short and long term, as well as ambitious PhD students. We offer small-scale education and work with innovative teaching methods, such as Problem Based Learning (PBL). Both the Dutch and English language programmes are positively evaluated by students and alumni. The programmes within our scientific disciplines service almost 4000 students. Additionally, the ESSB counts over 400 employees.

Department Of Public Administration and Sociology (DPAS)

DPAS houses the scientific disciplines of Public Administration and Sociology. Two closely connected disciplines with their own profile. Public Administration centers around questions related to administration, policy, and organisation. Here, the focus is on the workings and effectiveness of administrative performance and policy interventions. Within public administration, attention is also given to changes in relations, for example in public-private collaborations or in networks or chains of organisations that share an administrative responsibility. Sociology researches the social structure of societies and changes within those. The department focuses on phenomena such as globalisation, individualization, and the effects of those on international relations, the labour market, or family relations. Social issues connected to this are migration, flexibilisation, and solidarity. The public administration and sociological perspectives complement each other and guarantee relevant and scientifically high-quality research on administrative and societal issues. The bachelor- and master programmes of DPAS are built on this profile and educate students to become scientifically schooled professionals.