Research Data Trainer

About VIB

VIB is an entrepreneurial, non-profit research institute in life sciences, closely affiliated with five universities in Flanders. Our mission is to conduct groundbreaking strategic research that offers real-world solutions to citizens, patients, and farmers. Beyond research, VIB is dedicated to fostering knowledge-sharing through the Training & Conferences Program, offering a range of training, conferences, and personal development opportunities tailored to the needs of the scientific community. 

About the VIB Training & Conferences Program 

The VIB Training & Conferences Program delivers high-quality, fully integrated training and personal development initiatives. Our offerings include modular training events, e-learning courses, specialized workshops, summer schools, international conferences, and customized development opportunities aimed at nurturing the skills of scientists across the globe. 

Position Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Data Trainer to join the team. In this role, you will design, develop, and deliver training programs focused on Research Data Management (RDM) and sensitive data handling. This position will ensure compliance with legal requirements and adherence to best practices in data management, helping VIB researchers manage data securely and efficiently while promoting FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles. 

Key Responsibilities

Training Design & Development

• Design and develop training programs on RDM topics, including FAIR data principles, data life cycle, Data Management Plans (DMPs), and sensitive data management. 
• Create training content in various formats for face-to-face sessions, online courses, and recorded videos, tailored to the needs of VIB researchers. 
• Address specific research data topics such as data deposition, managing different data types, and using VIB’s metadata platform. 

Training Delivery

• Conduct training for researchers on RDM practices and available services within the VIB Data Core. 
• Provide sessions on the legal requirements and best practices for handling sensitive data. 
• Ensure all personnel involved in handling sensitive data complete training as part of their onboarding process. 
• Implement training initiatives on encrypted storage, analysis with logging, and secure data management. 

Ongoing Support & Feedback

• Serve as a point of contact for researchers requiring guidance and support on data management practices. 
• Participate in the RDM data champions community. 
• Collect and analyze feedback to continuously improve training programs. 

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Stay up-to-date with trends in data management and integrate these into the training curriculum. 
• Work closely with Data Core, ELIXIR, and other stakeholders to identify training needs and develop customized training solutions. 
• Foster a collaborative learning environment that promotes continuous improvement in data management practices. 

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Life Sciences or equivalent experience. 

Technical & Scientific Expertise

• Proven experience in developing and delivering face-to-face and online training for researchers. 
• Expertise in data management concepts, including sensitive data handling. 
• Familiarity with quality control of datasets and the legal preparation of data for submission to repositories (e.g., EGA, GHGA). 

Skills & Attributes

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to engage and collaborate with stakeholders efficiently.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, particularly in English.
• Active listener, flexible, creative, and dedicated teacher who fosters an open, safe and interactive learning environment

We offer

• An open-ended contract.
• Attractive salary package and benefits.
• Stimulating international work environment in a great team
• Opportunity to explore state-of-the-art technologies.
• Starting date: as soon as possible.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online. 

For more information, please reach out to Alex Botzki at alexander.botzki@vib.be