Social Sciences Data Librarian

Description

The Social Sciences Data Librarian will provide leadership and vision for the development, implementation, and operationalization of UTA Libraries' initiatives that assist faculty and students navigate social sciences data-related issues, including data discovery, analysis, visualization, and management. The scholar in this position will work as an intellectual partner with faculty, students, and staff using data in their research and teaching. Working with these constituencies, and in collaboration with librarians, archivists, and staff throughout the Libraries, this librarian will increase the Libraries' ability to collect, preserve, and provide access to research data. This position also provides guidance on the use of data and datasets as well as expertise in support of published data repositories such as ICPSR, and supports users requiring assistance with statistical and qualitative analysis software. The Social Sciences Data Librarian will serve as a partner and resource person for librarians and archivists involved in facilitating faculty and student research.

Essential Functions

1. Develop and provide consultation services for faculty and students on social sciences data-related issues, including data discovery, analysis, visualization, and management.
2. Partner with subject liaisons to assess the practices of researchers relating to data creation, use, and preservation.
3. Collaborate with the eScience Librarian, the Digital Humanities Librarian, the Systems Librarian for Data Management & Curation, the Director of Scholarly Communication, and the Department Heads of Outreach & Scholarship and Digital Creation to develop an integrated set of data services supporting UTA researchers and research teams.
4. Plan and conduct social sciences data and data management professional development opportunities for subject liaisons specific to their assigned departments.
5. Act as primary liaison to a social sciences department.
6. Maintain expertise with issues related to scholarly communication such as copyright, open access, and data management and preservation.
7. Participate in university-wide initiatives related to data creation, use, and preservation.
8. Performs other duties assigned.

Marginal/Incidental Functions

Other functions as assigned.
Required Qualifications

An ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS degree or advanced degree in the social sciences, data curation, or related discipline. An understanding of the research process as demonstrated by academic or work experience. Demonstrated experience with data management and curation services, with particular focus on research practices relating to data discovery, analysis, visualization, and management. Competency with data analysis software, including SPSS, SAS, R, Nvivo, ESRI, and ArcGIS. Familiarity with data management requirements of federal agencies. Strong commitment to user services and support. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, subject librarians, archivists, digital project librarians and others in order to advance e-research. Must possess excellent oral and written communication, leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications

If MLS/MLIS, an advanced degree in a relevant science or social science discipline. 3-5 years experience with social sciences data services. Knowledge of national and international trends in scholarly communication, data management and curation. Experience with grant writing or data management plan development. Ability to support datasets for use in various statistical software packages. Project management experience; demonstrated ability to design, lead, and complete a project within scope. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of the research process and evolving models of scholarly communication. Excellent interpersonal skills as well as verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated organizational and time management skills. Competency with Microsoft Outlook, MS Office, Windows Operating System and file management.
Working Conditions

May work around standard office conditions. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation. Ongoing professional development will be expected of the successful candidate, which may require overnight travel. Criminal background check conducted. This is a non-tenure track position.