Data Science Librarian

Description

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA LIBRARIES

Data Science Librarian

The University of Alabama Libraries seeks a creative and highly motivated individual to join the Research Computing Services team as the Data Science Librarian. Reporting to the Director of Research Computing Services, this position supports students, faculty, and researchers with computational research methods, primarily in the sciences, while also supporting data practices and literacies across a variety of disciplines.

The Data Science Librarian provides consultations, instruction, outreach, and support for collaborative initiatives related to computing throughout various phases of research and learning. With a focus on scientific computing programming languages such as Python, R, Bash, C++, and similar languages, this librarian will expand the University Libraries instructional and program offerings to include introductory content on computational analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, parallel computing, GPU computing, cloud computing, high-performance computing, and other related topics. Moreover, the Data Science Librarian will support the development of data science and computing literacies among library users, particularly for research using quantitative data or requiring specialized data processing.

Responsibilities may also include assisting in the oversight of student developers who provide library computing services such as workshops, walk-in coding support, and developing custom scripting for research computing teaching and research projects. The Data Science Librarian will help develop use-cases and student developer projects that support research computing and data science across the disciplines.

This position will contribute to and maintain research computing and data related open educational resources (OERs) such as the University Libraries Scholarly API Cookbook, as well as develop additional content related to introductory computing topics such as machine learning, informatics, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence in research, teaching, and librarianship applications. The Data Science Librarian will prepare regular reports on research computing and data activities for the Director of Research Computing.

Moreover, the Data Science Librarian will serve as the subject area liaison to the Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Liaisons support both in-person and virtual instruction, reference, and outreach in assigned areas, and will be expected to collaborate with teaching faculty on library assignments and actively create digital learning objects in support of teaching and research.

This position collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders internally and externally. The candidate is expected to maintain and build relationships in the University Libraries and with colleges and universities in the region, state, and nationally. The person in this position will be encouraged to pursue grant writing opportunities and submission of projects relevant to the mission of University Libraries and The University of Alabama. The candidate must be able to foster collaboration and develop and empower librarians and staff. The successful candidate must possess the ability to approach change, ambiguity, and complex problems that are typical of a research university setting. 

Responsibilities of the position may change as University Libraries continues to evolve.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Master's in Library & Information Sciences from an ALA-accredited institution or a doctoral degree in a relevant field.

·         Experience with quantitative research software/methods and programming languages for data cleaning, remediation, analysis, and visualization.

·         Experience with one or more scientific computing programming languages, such as Python, R, Julia, Swift/CoreML, C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Wolfram, MATLAB, or Rust.

·         Experience using computational notebooks such as Jupyter, Mathematica, Apache Spark, Livebook, or Org-mode. 

·         Familiarity with research computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning topics.

·         Experience using AI models such as OpenAI, Google AI, Microsoft AI, Mistral AI, or Apple Intelligence.

·         Interest in serving as a subject area expert in assigned liaison areas.

·         Demonstrated proficiency in statistical methods.

·         Demonstrated understanding of the research lifecycle.

·         Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across various mediums.

·         Ability to learn and apply new technical skills and tools through self-directed learning.

·         Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to work creatively and effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

·         Familiarity with common data science formats (e.g., JSON, SQL, XML, CSV, etc.).

·         Proven communication and interpersonal skills evidenced by the ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, faculty, students, and staff.

·         Friendly, approachable, demeanor with strong commitment to customer service excellence. 

·         Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a complex and changing environment; proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively and complete tasks according to an established timeframe, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines. 

·         Evidence of ability to engage in research, publication, and service consistent with the University’s and Libraries’ guidelines for faculty promotion and tenure.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Graduate degree in a STEM, quantitative social sciences, or related data science field.

·         Understanding of grant and award funding agencies’ requirements regarding data management, preservation, and access.

·         Experience using Linux

·         Experience with GPU or parallel computing

·         Experience with computational approaches for data cleaning, remediation, analysis, and visualization (R, Python, SQL, SPARQL).

·         Demonstrated understanding of the data and research lifecycles and discipline practices for researchers working with data.

·         Experience working with machine learning libraries and algorithms.

·         Experience with large language models or natural language processing.

·         Experience working with high performance computing (HPC).

·         Experience working with interdisciplinary groups and research projects.

·         Experience serving as a science subject area liaison.

·         Experience in developing and delivering data or computational related workshops to classes and groups.

·         Experience submitting grant proposals.

·         Evidence of an active published research portfolio.

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. Salary is $100,000.00 - $120,000.00, 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.

Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled. Applications received by February 21, 2025, are assured of receiving full consideration.

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