Computational Research Analyst

Description

Computational Research Analyst (Applications Support Analyst 1 – Research and Learning) Two-year Term

The MIT Libraries seeks a flexible, productive, and reliable Computational Research Analyst to provide computational research expertise in service to the MIT user community in three specific areas: Energy & Environment, and Biosciences disciplines, and the Carpentries@MIT program. The Analyst in this unique and evolving position will be encouraged to experiment at the intersection of library liaison service and researchers’ niche needs. A professional with applied knowledge of computational research skills will be able to take part in cutting-edge work, while getting hands-on experience in data science. Contributing to and supporting efforts in the work of the Liaison, Instruction and Reference Services (LIRS) department, the Computational Research Analyst collaborates with relevant liaisons as well as members of the Data and Specialized Services (DSS) department. In the first year, with these colleagues, the incumbent will explore different contexts where computational research service is growing, learning new skills and working closely with librarians to provide one-on-one research consultations in person, virtually, or by email. Through that year and into the second, the Analyst will deepen their skills, designing and teaching public and staff-facing workshops on topics such as computational research tools and/or methodologies used as part of the library-led Carpentries@MIT program (local program of Software Carpentry), or in other relevant disciplinary research. These activities are carried out in alignment with user-centered design, accessibility practices, the MIT Libraries’ Enduring Vision, and principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice (EDISJ). The successful candidate will develop and implement practices that prioritize an open scholarship agenda that accelerates the progress of humanity and promotes equity and inclusion across disciplines. December 2024

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working in conjunction with liaisons, other teams and library staff across the library system, the work may include: Working in partnership with DSS to advance the goals of the Carpentries@MIT program through teaching lessons in Python, R, Unix, and/or GitHub.
• Writing documentation on specific computational research tools, such as ProQuest TDM Studio and Web of Science API Expanded, to help librarians understand how to help their communities use these tools.
• Working with liaisons,
  • Train them to understand what tools for computational research do and how they work, so that liaisons can ask questions to learn about disciplinary potential.
  • Develop materials that help liaisons teach users about computational research tools and/or methodologies used in research.
• Collaborating on consultations with librarians to answer questions from the MIT community on currently-licensed tools or other computational research topics. This individual will report to the Acting Program Head, Teaching & Learning, of the LIRS department.

HOURS AND LOCATION

Full-time, Monday-Friday. Hybrid position.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The target hiring range for this position is Range is $65,000 – $80,000 plus benefits. Actual salary will depend on qualifications and experience. MIT offers excellent benefits including a choice of health and retirement plans, a dental plan, tuition assistance, and fully subsidized MBTA passes for local bus and subway service. Flexible work arrangements, including flex-time and telecommuting, are considered for positions that meet established criteria. The MIT Libraries is a collegial and supportive working environment and fosters professional growth of staff with management training and travel funding for professional meetings.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Apply online at: https://hr.mit.edu/careers applications must include cover letter and resume. Priority will be given to applications received by January 30, 2025; position open until filled.

ABOUT THE MIT LIBRARIES:

The MIT Libraries support teaching, learning, and research across the Institute, with millions of resources, deep expertise, and five campus locations where our community consumes and creates knowledge. Our organization is on an exciting journey of transformation, pursuing a digital-first model for research libraries and prioritizing an open scholarship agenda. We aim to exercise bold leadership

in defining a model for research libraries in the future, with innovative spaces like the newly renovated Hayden Library and a focus on supporting data-intensive and computational research and learning.

We strive to do great things, powering the MIT community to solve complex problems in the service of humankind, and each member of our 160-person staff has a role to play in pursuing that vision. We’re constantly adapting to the rhythms of a changing world, and we welcome candidates who can help us do that in thoughtful and strategic ways that center our mission and values.

MIT Libraries is an environment that welcomes any body, any mind — including all genders — and particularly encourages applications from underrepresented minorities, women, disabled applicants, and veterans. Professionals who enthusiastically embrace the empathy, courage, self-reflection, and respect of a multicultural, diverse, and inclusive workplace and who strive to incorporate those values in their work and interactions are encouraged to apply.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

VISA SPONSORSHIP

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. MIT sponsors visas only for certain academic and research positions. MIT does not sponsor the following individuals for employment-based visas or for exchange visitor visas: students; technical, administrative, library, or support staff members; individuals with inadequate funding, insurance, or credentials; or those whose particular visa history precludes sponsorship.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines
• At least 2 years experience with or basic knowledge of computational research tools such as text and data mining and APIs, Software Carpentry, or equivalent
• In addition to some combination of the following
  • Solid knowledge of Python, R, Unix, and/or GitHub
  • Experience or interest in teaching
  • Experience with or willingness to learn computational research tools supported by the Libraries
  • Completion of Software Carpentry instructor training program or willingness to be trained (paid for by the MIT Libraries) 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Skills in working independently, taking initiative, and managing competing priorities

We expect candidates to be stronger in some qualifications listed above than others; we are committed to helping our future colleague expand their skills, as well as learning from their areas of strength.

PREFERRED:

• Experience with or willingness to learn the principles, techniques, and technologies of Open and Reproducible Research