Project Title: Metadata Enrichment for Dataset Discovery

Duration: May 2026 - May 2027

Project Overview
This project focuses on improving dataset discovery and reuse through metadata enrichment, with an emphasis on large-scale social science data repositories. The work will explore how enhanced metadata can better support discoverability, interpretation, and use of datasets by researchers across disciplines. A key component of the project involves collaboration with ICPSR and engagement with real-world datasets and metadata practices.

Position Description
The Research Associate will contribute to research and development activities related to metadata enrichment for dataset discovery. The Research Associate will work closely with the project team led by the Principal Investigator (PI) and will collaborate with social scientists, data professionals, and other research partners. The position combines independent research tasks with coordinated, team?based work in an interdisciplinary setting.

The Research Associate will be expected to:

• Conduct background research on metadata standards, practices, and tools for dataset discovery and reuse
• Work with ICPSR datasets and coordinate with ICPSR staff as appropriate to understand existing metadata structures and workflows
•  Assist in the design, evaluation, and enrichment of metadata for social science and related datasets
• Collaborate with social scientists and other domain experts to align metadata with disciplinary research needs
• Contribute to coordinated project activities, including shared documentation and progress tracking across the research team 
• Participate in data analysis, synthesis of findings, and development of research artifacts
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, scholarly articles, and presentations
• Support communication and collaboration among project team members and external partners

• Master's degree in Computing, Computer Science, Data Science, Data Analytics, or a closely related field (degree completion by start date acceptable)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team

• Prior experience working with research datasets or data repositories
• Familiarity with metadata standards, data documentation, or data curation practices
• Experience collaborating with social scientists or interdisciplinary research teams
• Industry or applied experience related to data, information systems, or research infrastructure
• Interest in data discovery, data reuse, data engineering, and research support systems

Hybrid
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.