Research Data Steward

We are seeking a Research Data Steward to join the Data Science and Engineering for Nonproliferation group. The selected candidate will focus on the stewardship, curation, and modernization of research data and legacy records to ensure they are well-documented, trustworthy, and prepared for advanced analytics, modeling, and future computational use. The candidate will be part of a dynamic team within the National Security Sciences Directorate, working alongside experts in data science, statistics, nuclear engineering, and scientific computing to support high-impact research and mission‑driven outcomes in nuclear nonproliferation.

• Collaborate with project managers, subject matter experts, and researchers to steward research data and legacy document collections across the data lifecycle, from acquisition and documentation through preservation and reuse.
• Organize, curate, and enrich structured and unstructured datasets, including historical and legacy records, to improve data quality, provenance, discoverability, and readiness for computational analysis.
• Develop and apply metadata standards, documentation practices, and data management workflows that support reuse, reproducibility, and long‑term value of research data for downstream analytics, modeling, algorithm development, and emerging data‑driven methods.
• Contribute to R&D and mission delivery through data stewardship activities evidenced by successful project support, sponsor deliverables, internal and external documentation, and participation in technical initiatives.
• Exercise scientific and professional integrity in performing, documenting, and communicating data stewardship activities.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, procedures, and data governance requirements.
• Exemplify a commitment to excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and work cooperatively to leverage scientific capabilities across ORNL.
• Advance the reputation and standing of the group through professional engagement, community involvement, and contributions to data stewardship and research data management practices.
• Perform work activities in nuclear and/or radiological facilities/environments, as required.
• Ability to engage in domestic and international travel as required.

• Master’s degree or PhD in information science, library science, data science, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience managing, curating, producing, or editing research data, digital collections, technical records, or patents.
• Experience supporting research, scientific, or technical projects in a collaborative environment.
• Experience documenting and communicating technical information to researchers, sponsors, or other stakeholders.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently, outstanding written and oral communication skills, and strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of research data management practices, metadata standards, data lifecycle models, and digital preservation concepts.
• Familiarity with data or document collections related to nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, arms control, or the nuclear fuel cycle.
• Experience working with structured and unstructured data, including technical documents, reports, or historical datasets.
• Understanding of data quality, provenance, uncertainty, and limitations relate to downstream analytics and modeling.
• Experience working with DOE National Laboratories or similar R&D organizations.
• Experience engaging and working with federal sponsors directly.

• Q clearance with SCI:
  This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre‑placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due to the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

As a U.S.…