Research Data Services and GIS Librarian

The University of Alabama seeks a proactive, team-oriented, and innovative person to serve as the Research Data and Geographic Information Services (GIS) Librarian. Reporting to the Head of Assessment and Government Information, the Research Data and GIS Librarian will develop a robust suite of geographic information and research data services to support the work of Assessment & Government Information, as well as for instructional support for student and faculty research through the discovery, management, analysis, and visualization of data. The ideal candidate possesses strong research and analytical skills, as well as the desire to teach. The successful candidate actively collaborates with members of Assessment and Government Information on the creation of tools, interfaces, data visualizations, and GIS plugins that help advance the unit’s work with strategic planning, assessment, data-driven decision-making, and the incubation of emerging and innovative technologies for use across the University Libraries through continuous improvement. Equally, the candidate works with liaison librarians to promote and integrate data services, data literacy, data curation, and geographic information systems into library instruction and the data services workshop series program across the disciplines. They engage in outreach to academic departments toward the development of course-specific data service support for undergraduate and graduate students, involving both synchronous and asynchronous educational programs. Priorities for the position include using a variety of analytical/visualization software packages such as R, SPSS, MATLAB, and Tableau, as well as geographic information systems such as ArcGIS and ESRI. The librarian will also assess, develop, and apply emerging GIS technologies that improve the quality of library services. The ideal candidate will also perform development programming for the FOLIO library services platform community and works closely with the Library Technologies unit on programming and coding activities. Additionally, the librarian works across the University Libraries to advance open data and deliver services that support faculty engaged in data-intensive research projects. Working across UA departments and units, the successful candidate promotes centers of excellence for GIS and data visualization research. They also support ongoing and special data-driven projects of the University Libraries administration, as well as seek out grant funding to support innovative projects that support the unit, on a regular basis. The candidate works in a team environment with a willingness to engage in continual learning, development, and application of additional expertise through work-related experiences and professional development opportunities. The candidate must also possess the ability to deal with change, ambiguity, and complex problems that are typical of an academic setting. This position may also supervise staff and students as required and perform other duties/functions as needed. Responsibilities of the position change as the University Libraries continue to evolve. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Master's degree in Library & Information Sciences from an ALA-accredited institution or advanced graduate degree in a computer or information science related field. * Ability to conduct outreach to academic departments. * Experience with conducting data-driven academic research. * Knowledge of funding sources and organizations for grant revenues. * Experience with data management and/or visualization applications (e.g. R, SAS, SPSS, Matlab, Tableau, ArcGIS, or ESRI). * Experience with programming/coding that will compliment work on the FOLIO.org library services platform community needs. * Experience with spreadsheet applications such as MS Excel. * Experience in digital conversion, file transfer, and file management. * Ability to successfully initiate, track, and manage projects. * Demonstration of 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 time frame. * Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, along with skills associated with listening, negotiating, compromising, and adapting. * Proven interpersonal skills evidenced by 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. * Job duties continue to change with the evolving research library environment. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Proven experience delivering services in the academic library environment. * Advanced degree in applied statistics, computer science, information science, data science, geographic information systems, or a PhD in the natural sciences or social sciences. * Experience with scripting and programming languages (e.g., Perl, Tcl, Python, R, SQL, JavaScript, Ruby, Java). * Experience with data mining. * Experience supervising staff and students. * Experience with grant writing. * Demonstrated success in cultivating and developing relationships with academic units and faculty. * Knowledge of data formats (e.g., SML, JSON). * Knowledge of HTML. * Knowledge of project management applications such as Jira, Asana, etc.   ENVIRONMENT: The University of Alabama, The Capstone University, is the State of Alabama’s flagship public university, and the senior comprehensive doctoral level institution in Alabama. UA enrolls over 38,320 students, with record breaking freshman classes for each of the past three years. UA has also increased graduate student enrollment by seven percent for Fall 2021. Ranked among the top 70 public universities in the nation by U.S. World and News Report’s annual college rankings for more than a decade, UA ranked 67th among public universities in 2020 rankings. UA made the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for New Graduates in 2021. University of Alabama students continue to win prestigious national awards. Fifty-nine UA students have been named Goldwater Scholars. The University of Alabama has produced a total of 15 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars, 32 Hollins Scholars, and 11 Boren Scholars. The University of Alabama is a leader among public universities nationwide for enrollment of National Merit Scholars with more than 900 currently enrolled, the highest number in UA’s history. Under the leadership of President Stuart Bell, UA has launched a strategic planning process that includes an aggressive research agenda and expansion of graduate education. There are currently 36 faculty who have received NSF Career awards, the nation’s most prestigious recognition of top performing young scientists. UA was also recognized as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars for the fifth time in six years in 2021-2022. UA is located in Tuscaloosa, a metropolitan area of over 250,000, with a vibrant economy, a moderate climate, and reputation across the South as an innovative, progressive community with an excellent quality of life. Tuscaloosa provides easy access to mountains, several lager cities, and the beautiful Gulf Coast. The University Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, the Coalition of Networked Information, centerNET, LYRASIS, HathiTrust, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, LOCKSS, the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries, and the Alabama Digital Preservation Network. As a U.S. Government Documents Regional Depository since 1860, the UA Libraries serves Alabama libraries and the public. The University Libraries homepage may be accessed at http://www.libraries.ua.edu Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation. SALARY/BENEFITS: 12 month clinical faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor rank, depending on qualifications and experience. Salary range is $60,000.00 - $80,000.00, 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://facultyjobs.ua.edu. Click Search Positions. University Libraries in Organization drop down box. 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. The University of Alabama is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and is strongly committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. Applicants from a broad spectrum of people, including women, members of ethnic minorities and disabled persons, are especially encouraged to apply. For questions regarding the search, contact Michael Arthur, Senior Associate Dean, at maarthur@ua.edu.

Learn More »