The following blog post is a product of the CaRCC RCD Professionalization Working Group.
Research Computing and Data (RCD) professionals are integral to the research ecosystem of major academic institutions. As the role of technology in research continues to expand, so does the demand for RCD profession als who possess both technical and analytical skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with researchers. This blog delves into the evolving role of RCD professionals, particularly through the lens of the “facings” model, which categorizes their work into five distinct roles: systems-facing, researcher-facing, software-facing, data-facing, and strategy/policy-facing.
The Facings Model
The facings model, introduced as part of the CaRCC initiative, is a framework that helps categorize the work of RCD professionals. Each “facing” represents a different aspect of their role. For example, systems-facing professionals are primarily involved with the technical aspects of managing research computing infrastructure, while researcher-facing professionals work directly with researchers to understand their computing needs and ensure the right tools are being used.
Other facings, such as software and data, involve a blend of technical and problem-solving skills, where RCD professionals help develop research-specific software solutions or manage complex datasets. Finally, strategy and policy-facing professionals are involved in higher-level decision-making, often working with university leadership to shape policies around the use of research computing resources.
Key Findings from the 2021 RCD Workforce Survey
The 2021 RCD Workforce Survey, a pivotal resource used in analyzing RCD roles, revealed several interesting trends about the background and activities of RCD professionals. One key finding was the significant variation in the educational background and experience among RCD professionals. While the majority hold advanced degrees, particularly in computer and information sciences, there is a diversity in the fields of education, ranging from physical sciences to social sciences and the humanities.
In terms of activities, RCD professionals often wear multiple hats. Many spend a significant portion of their time consulting with researchers, contributing directly to research projects, and performing technical work such as data analysis, visualization, and software development. These professionals are not only the backbone of many research programs but are also involved in crucial administrative and managerial roles, further emphasizing the breadth of their expertise.
Fig 1. Sankey plot representing respondent’s field of education (left) mapped to majority facing role (center), subsequently mapped to top 5 work activities.
This broad expertise can be seen in Figure 1 where it can be observed that the RCD facilitators come from a broad spectrum of domains. We also see that their roles have significant overlap.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the growing importance of RCD professionals, academic institutions face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining talent. One of the main issues is the lack of a clear professional identity for these roles. Many institutions struggle to classify RCD positions within their human resources frameworks, often leading to confusion between RCD and enterprise IT roles. The facings model has helped clarify some of these distinctions, but more work needs to be done to further define and professionalize the field.
Another challenge is the disparity in compensation between RCD professionals working in academia versus those in industry. According to the survey, RCD professionals in academia are often paid less than their counterparts in both research and technical roles, which can make it difficult for institutions to compete for top talent.
Moving forward, it is essential for academic institutions to continue investing in the professional development of their RCD staff. This includes creating more defined career paths, improving compensation, and providing opportunities for continuous learning and development. Additionally, ongoing research into the roles and activities of RCD professionals, such as regular surveys and data analysis, will help ensure that the field continues to evolve in response to the needs of the research community.
Conclusion
RCD professionals play a critical role in advancing scientific research by bridging the gap between researchers and the technological tools they need to succeed. The facings model provides a useful framework for understanding the various roles and responsibilities of these professionals, but further work is needed to fully professionalize the field. By addressing the challenges of recruitment, retention, and professional identity, academic institutions can better support their RCD staff and, in turn, advance the frontiers of scientific discovery.