Science and Engineering Librarian

Job Description

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA LIBRARIES

Science and Engineering Librarian

RESPONSIBILITIES: The University of Alabama (UA) seeks to hire a forward-thinking and innovative Science and Engineering Librarian (tenure-track) to support the development and deployment of learner-centered approaches to research and instructional services in STEM disciplines. Reporting to the Director of Branch Library and Research Data Services, this position works closely with campus faculty to develop instructional materials and library assignments, as well as identifies needs and opportunities to perform active outreach to departments within The University of Alabama College of Engineering, the Capstone College of Nursing, and STEM departments within the College of Arts & Sciences. Specific disciplines will be assigned based on institutional needs and the individual interests and skills of the selected candidate. The ideal candidate possesses a strong desire to teach and is committed to continually seeking further knowledge in teaching and learning theories. They will be responsible for developing a robust program of instruction and outreach, both in-person and online, while also offering software application training and support for their assigned liaison areas.

The University of Alabama Libraries has recently restructured the liaison program with more emphasis on outreach and seeking opportunities to work directly with campus faculty and students in a research extensive environment. The successful candidate must be willing to continually learn, develop, and apply additional expertise through work-related experiences and professional development opportunities. They must also possess the ability to navigate change and ambiguity as they successfully solve the types of complex problems encountered in research settings. This position may also provide outreach to non-academic units, supervise staff and students as required, and perform other duties and functions as requested. Responsibilities of this position will evolve as the library environment continues to change. This is an excellent opportunity for an early career librarian or recent doctoral graduate to gain valuable experience developing library instruction and outreach programs to academic departments, while gaining experience at a flagship R1 institution.

As liaisons to academic departments, librarians are members of a liaison team working proactively across the University Libraries organization. This position plans and coordinates activities for students, staff, and faculty who are involved in programs and communities within the areas of nursing, life sciences, pure and applied sciences, and engineering, as well as co-curricular undergraduate research communities within the Honors College. Additionally, this librarian participates actively in instruction for UA’s First-Year Writing Program. This position will participate in the development and implementation of assessment initiatives aimed at improving services and collections in their areas and are expected to create and utilize a variety of technologies and media for the advancement of library goals and objectives.

This position collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders to conceptualize, define, and deliver impactful instructional services in support of strategic goals at the University Libraries and the University levels while also participating proactively in public-facing research services. As part of their liaison role, the successful candidate will continuously create and update digital learning objects, including research guides and digital learning objects. This position will work collaboratively to promote and integrate research data services (e.g. data literacy, data curation, geographic information systems, API and other coding, and advanced scientific software applications) within their course-specific instruction, as well as through standalone workshops that deliver this content across the disciplines. This position will also be expected to prepare and submit grant applications, as well as manage sponsored funding projects, as part of the University Libraries commitment to strategic funding and research objectives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Master’s degree in Library & Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution.

·         Knowledge of reference and instructional services in a research library setting.

·         Knowledge of current services and emerging trends in information, data literacy instruction, and information and research technologies that support undergraduate and graduate education.

·         Knowledge of collection management in support of STEM disciplines.

·         Ability to successfully initiate, track, and manage projects.

·         Understanding of ways to market and promote instruction, collections, and services to various groups.

·         Ability, interest, and willingness to assume additional and/or new responsibilities, along with the ability to set and model high-performance standards.

·         Ability to conceptualize, articulate, and implement short and long-range goals.

·         Ability to work independently and as a team member to solve problems, using sound judgment in decision-making according to an established timeframe.

·         Friendly, approachable, public service attitude.

·         Excellent verbal and written communications skills along with excellent skills in listening, negotiating, compromising, and adapting.

·         The ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, faculty, students, and staff.

·         Ability to support and enhance a diverse learning and working environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Degree in STEM or social science field of study.

·         One to three years of experience in an academic library supporting STEM disciplines.

·         Teaching experience.

·         Experience developing LibGuides, tutorials, and learning objects. Functional knowledge of WordPress, CSS, HTML, and the Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.

·         Experience with Blackboard Learn or other Learning Management Systems.

·         Experience with coding languages and development environments used in academic research (R, RStudio, Python, Bash, MatLab, Mathematica, etc.).

·         Functional understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the research environment.

·         Experience with sponsored programs funding and project participation.

Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation.

SALARY/BENEFITS:

12-month tenure-track faculty appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank, depending on qualifications and experience. Salary range is $70,000-$90,000 commensurate with qualifications, experience, and advanced degrees. Strong benefits, including professional development support, tuition fee waiver, and matching retirement contributions.

TO APPLY:

Applications are accepted online only at https://careers.ua.edu. Click Faculty Jobs, then University Libraries. Please include your application, Curriculum Vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e- mail addresses of three references, including one current supervisor.

Position open until filled. Applications received by January 10, 2024, are assured of receiving full consideration.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link to find out more.

“EEO is the Law” https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf

For questions regarding the search, contact Michael Arthur, Senior Associate Dean, at maarthur@ua.edu.