Checklist for a Data Steward Job Description within ETH-Domain Institutions

This document provides a checklist for defining and adapting job descriptions for Data Steward* roles within institutions of the ETH Domain. It was developed as a deliverable of Work Package 3 (Vision for Data Stewards in the ETH Domain) within the Data Stewardship Network (DSN) project, funded by the Open Research Data (ORD) Programme for the ETH Domain. It presents a list of (i) key responsibilities and tasks, (ii) functional competencies, and (iii) profile requirements, which can be adapted to the specific scope, level, and focus of a given position. It is intended to support institutions, service units, and hiring managers in creating clear, consistent, and context‑appropriate role descriptions, while allowing flexibility for local organisational needs. To support a shared understanding of Data Stewardship roles, the document includes an appendix comparing Generic and Embedded Data Steward profiles, based on definitions from the Swiss Data Stewardship Environment (SwissDS‑ENV). This comparison clarifies differences in scope, responsibilities, skill sets, and positioning within institutions, and situates the Generic Data Steward role within the broader Data Stewardship landscape. How to use it – Selection of items You are not expected to include all items. Select only those elements that are relevant to the role. The checklist can be used as a foundation and: complemented with more specific elements tailored to the position extended with additional items, where required by the disciplinary or organizational context. Items highlighted in bold Bold items indicate core responsibilities, competencies, and profile requirements for Data Steward (DS) roles. Their inclusion is not mandatory, however they: reflect key elements commonly associated with these roles support consistency, clarity, and recognition across job descriptions. You are therefore strongly encouraged to carefully review them and consider their inclusion where appropriate. Flexibility and scope This checklist is applicable to: generic or institution-wide DS roles embedded DS positions, linked to specific research groups, projects, or disciplines. *The term Data Steward is used to refer to a professional who provides support for Research Data Management. This role may also be referred to as Research Data Management Specialist, Research Data Librarian, RDM Support Officer, Research Data Manager or similar. titles, depending on the institutional context.