Four Selfish Reasons to do Open Science Now!

For Fortune, Fame, Glory...and one more(read to find out)...Enroll in NASA’s Open Science Training Today!

Misinformation, Bias, and CentOS Stream

How we let Linux become a hot button issue

Misinformation and anti-industry bias are harming the Research Computing and Data community's ability to recruit, hire, and retain talent, specifically, talent from industry. If your goal is to attract a diverse pool of talent, step one is to stop offending them. (Initially posted on the CaRCC and CC forums, July 30, 2023.)

How to be a recruiter, Part II for RCD

Recruiting for advanced roles in Research Computing and Data

In the first episode of 'How to be a Recruiter', we searched for a Systems Engineer. What about your mid to senior level research computing roles? Experienced RCD professionals are not looking through the help wanted ads. They don't need you, you need them! Here are some tips on convincing them to apply. (Initially posted on the Campus Champions and CaRCC forums, June 26, 2022.)

How to be a recruiter for RCD

Recruiting for Research Computing and Data

Unemployment is low, turnover is high, and the job market is flooded with open IT positions. Rather than sit idly by, hoping for the applications to role in, you need to actively recruit to get the best talent. This article offers tips on recruiting, including how to cast a wide net to reach the best pool of applicants. (Initially posted on the Campus Champions and CaRCC forums, June 24, 2022.)

Got Performance Metrics?

Using the annual review process to assess corporate culture.

How do you define performance metrics for a team of abstract impressionist painters? I don’t know either, but this is IT. Metrics abound. A company’s annual review form can reveal their top priorities, allowing you to decide whether your values align with their vision; however, beware the company who pays lip service to equity without creating policies to protect it. Performance reviews cannot be equitable without standardized performance metrics.

The RCD Unicorn

Wanted: RCD Unicorn. Preferred qualifications: Everything and the kitchen sink.

Universities everywhere have been earmarking funds for new staff positions to facilitate Research Computing and Data. By creating job postings with a laundry list of superhuman qualifications, we perpetuate a lack of diversity, increase the workload of existing staff, and set up our new hires for failure. Creating new staff positions at cash-strapped universities is often a once in a lifetime opportunity...let's make it count!