Library Chief Data Strategist, Assistant Professor (tenure-track)

Description

Library Chief Data Strategist, Assistant Professor (tenure-track) 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by April 3, 2020. Second consideration may be given to applications received by April 17, 2020 Applications received subsequent to second consideration date (April 17, 2020) may not be given full consideration.

This position is a 12-month tenure-track faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor level. This is a calendar year appointment with an expected start date of August 2020. This position reports to the Chair, Technical Services and Dean, University Libraries.

Position Summary:

The University of Rhode Island University Libraries seeks a highly motivated individual for the position of Assistant Professor, Library Chief Data Strategist. The incumbent plays a central role in enhancing library-based data services programs.

The ideal candidate will use collaborative and innovative approaches to lead the Libraries’ efforts to develop a supportive teaching and research environment with emphasis on faculty, researcher and student development and retention.

The target areas are:
-Digital archives, digital preservation, computational archival science
-Scientometrics/informetrics/bibliometrics
-Data Visualization
-Data Analytics for library operations
-Research Data Management
-Human and social factors of data science, machine learning, AI.

The incumbent will present workshops and other programming on big data and data management best practices to faculty, researchers and students.

This position will work with the Office of Institutional Research and DataSpark (Library-based data analytics unit) to identify avenues to increase faculty and researcher success. Working with internal (e.g. MakerspaceURI, Launch Lab, Think Lab, and the AI Lab) and external (e.g. the Office of Advancement of Teaching and Learning, the Office of Community, Equity and Diversity, Division of Research and Economic Development and IT) partners, the incumbent will plan and implement experimental and innovative activities to cultivate and expand synergistic relationships.

Working collaboratively with peers on joint projects will be required. Applicants should possess a desire to drive change and shape initiatives that ensure the data needs of all scholars are met. A knowledge of and interest in the evolving roles of research libraries in the changing landscape of higher education and support of a service model that includes actively engaging the University community through direct outreach are key characteristics of a successful candidate.

Job Responsibilities:

- Work collaboratively with other library technology labs to plan, develop, coordinate and provide workshops, trainings and one-on-one sessions with faculty, clinicians, researchers and students in the areas where technology and research overlap, such as open science, scientometrics/informetrics/bibliometrics, research data management, data analytics, and data visualization.
- Assist URI faculty, clinicians and researchers in planning effective and innovative digital projects.
- Monitor, test and evaluate technology trends and products pertinent to improving and enhancing the teaching and research output of the university faculty, clinicians, and researchers and report findings to key stakeholders.
- Based upon those findings and reports: plan, recommend, develop and implement new data and technology related services, programs and tools that would benefit faculty, clinicians, researchers and students at the University.
- Provide assistance, consultation, and training in current and new data tools.
- Provide guidance for liaison partners in best use of available technology and resources.
- Serve as the Libraries’ Data Officer to provide leadership and direction for comprehensive data strategies and input on future projects.
- Initiate a library analytics program (currently Alma analytics and/or other programs) to assist colleagues in library decision-making.
- Foster an environment of accessibility, inclusion and respect.

Qualifications:

Required:

1. ALA accredited MLS/MLIS or an ALA-approved equivalent degree by the date of appointment or Ph.D. in library/information science.

2. Demonstrated experience working with data and technology.

3. Demonstrated experience with planning, developing, and/or implementing educational offerings, such as tutorials, workshops, events, and programs, related to technologies affecting faculty and students in higher education.

4. Demonstrated proficiency in oral communication skills.

5. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.

6. Demonstrated ability to fulfill the University’s requirements for tenure and promotion in librarianship, research, and service.

7. Demonstrated experience working with diverse groups/populations.

Preferred:

1. Demonstrated experience working in an academic or research library.

2. Demonstrated experience with library systems administration, web application development, web standards, and best practices.

3. Demonstrated familiarity or willingness to learn programming languages such as Python and R.

4. Demonstrated familiarity or willingness to learn machine learning and AI in general.

5. Demonstrated experience in operating digital learning spaces.

ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

The University of Rhode Island is an AA/EEOD employer.
Women, persons of color, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other protected groups are encouraged to apply.

APPLY via https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/7102