Research and Instruction Librarian

Description

Position Overview:
The Research and Instruction Librarian engages with faculty, researchers, staff, and students at Duke Kunshan University (DKU) to identify current and emerging information needs and to deliver responsive, innovative research and instructional services. Working collaboratively with library colleagues, the librarian develops, provides, and promotes services that support research, teaching, information literacy, and scholarly communication. The librarian also serves as a liaison librarian to nature and applied sciences, business and other assigned subject areas, contributing to the cultivation, evaluation, and development of library collections that support curricular and research needs, as well as. In addition, the role supports cultural engagement activities by helping design, promote, and implement programs and initiatives that enrich DKU’s academic and community life. Through instruction, consultations, outreach, and collaborative program development, the Research and Instruction Librarian plays a key role in advancing the library’s commitment to academic excellence, research literacy, and vibrant intellectual engagement.

Reports to:
University Librarian

Essential Duties:
•    Design and deliver instruction sessions, workshops, and course-integrated teaching on information literacy, AI literacy, database use, and research skills.
•    Provide advanced research consultations to faculty, students, and staff across multiple formats (in-person, online, and email).
•    Support literature searching, research methodologies, citation management, and critical evaluation of information sources.
•    Provide support and guidance for literature reviews, systematic reviews and other types of evidence synthesis.
•    Advise on scholarly communication topics, including open access, research impact and strategies to enhance research visibility and dissemination.
•    Develop and maintain instructional materials and research guides using learning management systems, content management platforms, and emerging educational technologies.
•    Provide guidance on the ethical, effective, and discipline-appropriate use of AI in research and learning.
•    Serve as a liaison to assigned academic departments (e.g., natural and applied sciences, business), building strong partnerships with faculty, students, and staff.
•    Promote library services, tools, and resources within liaison areas through targeted outreach and engagement.
•    Evaluate, select, and recommend resources to support teaching and research in assigned liaison areas.
•    Monitor emerging publications and resources from leading publishers and vendors.
•    Regularly gather input from faculty on resource needs and priorities.
•    Assess usage, relevance, and gaps in collections, and collaborate with the acquisitions team on purchasing and renewal decisions.
•    Contribute to the planning and delivery of cultural, scholarly, and community engagement programs, such as speaker series, exhibitions, and thematic events.
•    Support outreach initiatives that enhance the visibility and impact of library services and programs.
•    Supervise assistants, interns or student assistants as needed in support of instruction and research services.
•    Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with trends in librarianship, information literacy, AI and emerging technologies, and subject areas.
•    Contribute to library committees, institutional service, and professional organizations.
•    Participate in cross-departmental initiatives and collaborative projects that advance the Library’s strategic priorities.
•    Work toward achieving assigned annual objectives and KPIs, demonstrating accountability for performance and results.
•    Perform other duties as assigned.
•    University employees' job responsibilities will continue to expand in scope and depth as the University grows in size and complexity in its programs.

Required Qualifications:
•    Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program (or international equivalent) in Library and Information Science or a STEM major.
•    Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in an academic library.
•    Knowledge of STEM research workflows and resources.
•    Demonstrated understanding of academic research processes, information literacy frameworks, instructional design, and scholarly communication (including open access, research impact, data literacy, and citation management).
•    Knowledge of AI and emerging technologies in higher education, including AI-assisted research tools, prompt design fundamentals, and responsible/ethical AI use.
•    Familiarity with research and instructional technologies, including citation management tools (e.g., Zotero, EndNote), bibliometric databases (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science), learning management systems (e.g., Canvas), and online tutorial platforms (e.g., LibGuides).
•    Familiarity with collection development, subject liaison services, reference models (virtual and in-person), and relevant library systems and research databases.
•    Ability to design and deliver effective instruction sessions, workshops, and learning materials, with strong classroom facilitation and public-speaking skills.
•    Ability to support advanced research strategies and evidence-based synthesis.
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
•    Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with faculty, students, and staff in an international academic environment.
•    Experience with assessment and evaluation of library instruction and services, using qualitative and quantitative approaches.
•    Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives.

How to Apply:
Please submit your formal application by searching for the position on the DKU recruitment portal. You may also send your resume to dkurecruitment@dukekunshan.edu.cn.