Research Data Manager - Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

Research Data Manager - Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement dependent with unit operational needs.

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

Job Summary
Lead the data management team to ensure research data for the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) and machine-readable.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Implement data best practices across the Center:
  • Consult with research groups to enforce standard operating procedures for data collection, formatting, sharing, storage, and archiving
  • Communicate with researchers concerning missing or ambiguous data, obtain follow-up information, and curate datasets and accompanying metadata
  • Serve as the main point-of-contact for CABBI researchers for complex data needs or questions
  • Collaborate with and leverage resources of organizations such as Computer Network Resource Group at IGB, Illinois Data Bank, Illinois Computes
• Lead data intake, curation, storage, and publication:
  • Synthesize research publications to identify key data and collaborate with researchers to implement a publication plan, assign tasks to data management team
  • Provide quality assurance/quality control of data; develop appropriate data entry methods to ensure accuracy and continuity of data, and meet project deadlines and guidelines
  • Manage multiple Center-wide databases and software tools, including LabCollector, BioCyc, etc
• Supervise team and collaborate with stakeholders:
  • Supervises data management team (2 full-time employees, undergraduate student), including task assignment, ongoing performance management, leave/travel approval, and conducting annual performance evaluation
  • Coordinate the CABBI Science Integration Committee
  • Serve as point of contact for collaborative data management efforts across the Bioenergy Research Centers
  • Other data-related tasks as assigned

Additional Physical Demands
This position involves extended periods of computer use, including repetitive keyboarding and mouse operation and sustained viewing of a computer monitor. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information science, computer science, biology, chemistry, engineering, or a related scientific field. Alternate degree fields will be considered based on the relevance and depth of experience.
• Background in biology or the sciences.
• Two years of experience collecting, synthesizing, or managing large datasets and various data types.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in biochemistry, microbiology, plant biology, crop sciences, information science, or another scientific discipline required.
• Three or more years of experience in data management.
• Experience working with electronic databases (e.g., SQL) and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or online data repositories preferred.
• One or more years of experience supervising staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize research publications, identify and evaluate datasets, design efficient data intake processes, and determine appropriate data organization and curation strategies to ensure accessibility and usability.
• Ability to describe and document datasets and develop meaningful metadata.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey data management guidelines clearly to researchers across diverse disciplines.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, collaborative, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve data-related issues as they arise.
• Demonstrates initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
• Ability to integrate knowledge across multiple disciplines to achieve project goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, Box, GitHub, and online data repositories.
• Knowledge of machine-readable file formats and interest in leveraging AI tools to automate and improve data workflows.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $75,000 to $85,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, April 3, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Qualified candidates must upload: 1) a cover letter which details qualifications noted above; 2) resume or CV; and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For further information about this specific position, please contact Leslie Lewin Reinhart at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1035360
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu