RESPONSIBILITIES: The University of Alabama (UA) seeks to hire two forward-thinking and innovative Science and Engineering Librarians (tenure-track) to support the development and deployment of learner-centered approaches to research and instructional services in STEM disciplines. Reporting to the Director of Branch Library and Research Data Services, this position works closely with campus faculty to develop instructional materials and library assignments, as well as identifies needs and opportunities to perform active outreach to departments within The University of Alabama College of Engineering, the Capstone College of Nursing, and STEM departments within the College of Arts & Sciences. Specific disciplines will be assigned based on institutional needs and the individual interests and skills of the selected candidates. The ideal candidate possesses a strong desire to teach and is committed to continually seeking further knowledge in teaching and learning theories. They will be responsible for developing a robust program of instruction and outreach, both in-person and online, while also offering software application training and support for their assigned liaison areas.

The University of Alabama Libraries has recently restructured the liaison program with more emphasis on outreach and seeking opportunities to work directly with campus faculty and students in a research extensive environment.  The successful candidates must be willing to continually learn, develop, and apply additional expertise through work-related experiences and professional development opportunities. They must also possess the ability to navigate change and ambiguity as they successfully solve the types of complex problems encountered in research settings. These positions may also provide outreach to non-academic units, supervise staff and students as required, and perform other duties and functions as requested. Responsibilities of these positions will evolve as the library environment continues to change. This is an excellent opportunity for early career librarians or recent doctoral graduates to gain valuable experience developing library instruction and outreach programs to academic departments, while gaining experience at a flagship R1 institution.

As liaisons to academic departments, librarians are members of a liaison team working proactively across the University Libraries organization. These positions plan and coordinate activities for students, staff, and faculty who are involved in programs and communities within the areas of nursing, life sciences, pure and applied sciences, and engineering, as well as co-curricular undergraduate research communities within the Honors College. Additionally, these librarians participate actively in instruction for UA’s First-Year Writing Program. These positions will participate in the development and implementation of assessment initiatives aimed at improving services and collections in their areas, and are expected to create and utilize a variety of technologies and media for the advancement of library goals and objectives.

These positions collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders to conceptualize, define, and deliver impactful instructional services in support of strategic goals at the University Libraries and the University levels while also participating proactively in public-facing research services. As part of their liaison roles, successful candidates will continuously create and update digital learning objects, including research guides and digital learning objects. These positions will work collaboratively to promote and integrate research data services (e.g. data literacy, data curation, geographic information systems, API and other coding, and advanced scientific software applications) within their course-specific instruction, as well as through standalone workshops that deliver this content across the disciplines. These positions will also be expected to prepare and submit grant applications, as well as manage sponsored funding projects, as part of the University Libraries commitment to strategic funding and research objectives.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in Library & Information Sciences from an ALA-accredited institution or doctoral degree in a related science or health professions discipline.
Knowledge of reference and instructional services in a research library setting.
Knowledge of current services and emerging trends in information, data literacy instruction, and information and research technologies that support undergraduate and graduate education.
Experience with collection management in support of STEM disciplines.
Ability to successfully initiate, track, and manage
Understanding of ways to market and promote instruction, collections, and services to various groups.
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 timeframe.
Friendly, approachable, public service attitude.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills along with excellent skills in listening, negotiating, compromising, and adapting.
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.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

One to three years of experience in an academic library supporting STEM disciplines.
Teaching experience.
Experience developing LibGuides, tutorials, and learning objects. Functional knowledge of WordPress, CSS, HTML, and the Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
Experience with Blackboard Learn or other Learning Management Systems.
Experience with coding languages and development environments used in academic research (R, RStudio, Python, Bash, MatLab, Mathematica, etc.).
Functional understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the research environment.
Experience with sponsored programs funding and project participation.

 

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 tenure-track faculty appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank, depending on qualifications and experience. Salary range is $60,000-$90,000 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.

Position open until filled.  Applications received by May 12, 2023 are assured of receiving full consideration.

The University of Alabama