Assistant Professor and Data Services Librarian (6539)

Description

Position Details

Position Information

Working Position Title
Assistant Professor and Data Services Librarian (6539)

Classification Title
Assistant Professor

Position Number
00006539

Posting Date
01/31/2025

Closing Date

Priority Review Date
03/16/2025

Business Unit Description
Faculty

Full-Time/Part Time
Full-Time

FTE
1.00

Position Status
Regular

FLSA
Exempt

Job Code
2000

Union Representation
Union

Union Code
N/A

Unit/Department
Libraries

College/Unit
Libraries

Division
Academic Division

Location
FO 428

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page
https://www.niu.edu/university-libraries/index.shtml

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The University Libraries at Northern Illinois University ( NIU ) seeks applications from experienced, creative, and dynamic individuals for the position of Data Services Librarian. In this new position, the successful candidate will be someone familiar with data management practices, with principles in teaching and research, and who is excited by the prospect of establishing and steering these rapidly evolving services at the NIU Libraries. This is a 12-month, tenure-track Faculty position with appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher, depending on experience. This position reports to the Associate Dean of Public Services.
NIU and the University Libraries are deeply committed to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as from other candidates invested in creating and enriching an inclusive environment through their work and interactions. Our Commitment to Diversity and Anti-Racism statement is available at https://library.niu.edu/university-libraries/about/index.shtml#commitmenttodiversity .

Location: Founded in 1895 as a normal school, Northern Illinois University is a Carnegie Foundation designated R2 ("High Research Activity") doctoral-granting institution. With a diverse student body of approximately 15,000 students, Northern Illinois University's 765-acre main campus in DeKalb is an eclectic mix of architecture and beautiful natural spaces located within 60 miles of the great city of Chicago. Find out more about NIU and the NIU Libraries by visiting https://www.niu.edu/index.shtml and https://library.niu.edu/ulib/ .

Position Summary

The Data Services Librarian will develop and implement innovative data services outreach to support our students, faculty, and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Data and Research Services:

1. Developing instructional programming, resources, and workshops on data-related topics (i.e., identification, analysis, visualization, cleaning, etc.)
2. Shaping the Libraries' data services initiatives, including collaboration with librarians, teaching faculty, and other campus partners to integrate data literacy into course projects and curricula.
3. Consulting with individuals and/or teams on project development, including the recommendation of tools, resources, and methods, and supporting researchers throughout the research data lifecycle.
4. Serving as the liaison to, and collaborating with, other campus units that support research data services such as the Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships ( RIPS ).
5. Contributing to the development of policies and procedures related to data management and sharing, including compliance with funding agency and publisher requirements.
6. Creating and maintaining data-related research guides (LibGuides) and other instructional tools (tutorials, online learning modules, etc.) to help students, faculty, and staff effectively use data services.
7. Assisting and collaborating with library faculty and staff with the creation and evaluation of data management plans, analysis of research impact, and development of grant proposals.
8. Providing general reference services (in-person and virtual) including some nights and weekends, as well as in-depth research consultations in liaison areas.

Research, Scholarship, and Service Activities

1. Developing a focused program of high-quality research and creative accomplishments, consistent with professional responsibilities and the Libraries' mission and goals.
2. Actively participating in, and demonstrating leadership, on committees that serve the Libraries, University, profession, and community.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA -accredited program, or equivalent degree
• Two or more years of recent professional experience working in research data management, data services, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of common data services and data information literacy competencies.
• Demonstrated knowledge and of data management fundamentals, best practices and standards, funding agency requirements, and research data management issues and trends.

Additional Requirements

• Awareness of the research processes across an array of disciplines, including data formats, metadata standards, and data repositories.
• Familiarity with one or more data science tools and applications (R, Python, SPSS , SAS STATA , Tableau, GIS , etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to consult with and advise researchers about data science resources, tools, and applications, including open data.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to meet university standards for research, publication, and professional service.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

N/A

Physical Demands Summary

• Typical instructional/classroom environment

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date
June 1, 2025

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year
1.00

Standard Hours Per Week
37.50

Salary
Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, starting at $70,000; NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range
See above

Earn Type
Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Applications received by March 16, 2025 will be given first consideration. Anticipated start date is June 1, 2025. Applicants must apply online at [link] and upload the following materials:

• Letter of application which includes discussion of your qualifications and describes how you have supported equity, diversity, and inclusion in the past, either in the workplace, as a student, or in other settings. If you have not had the opportunity for such experience, please describe how you hope to support the University's and the Libraries' commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse community;
• Current curriculum vitae;
• List of three current references with contact information
• Transcripts (unofficial, with official required at hire)

Special Instructions

N/A

Quick Link to Applicant
https://employment.niu.edu/postings/81724

Is Background Check Required
Yes

EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services Building Room 230
[email protected]
815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at [email protected] .

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.
Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report .
Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
4. List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).